Explain the causes and impacts of landslides. Also, discuss the various measures to mitigate landslides under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines. (Hint: impact, with a special emphasis on National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.

Landslides refer to sudden sinking of landmass. As per NDMA, over 15% of India's landmass is prone to landslides. Causes of landslides: I Natural causes: (1) Tectonic activity like landslide prone areas in Himalayas (2) Heavy rainfall as in western ghats by Wayaned 2023 (3) Steep slopes by Himalayas South side (4) Rapid undercutting by rivers by Joshiulan

as highlighted by Vikram Gaur Panel (2) Cutting & blasting of hills for road by Ravni Chopra Committee on Chardham (3) Clearing of forests for plantation highlighted by Agarwal Gadgil (4) Unsustainable tourism by Karavalis, Mitheran (5) Military activity by Siachen Impacts of landslides: I First-order impact: loss of lives, livelihoods, destruction of flora and fauna II Second order impact: strain on state exchequer for redevelopment measures such migration, political blame game

III Third order impacts: Mental trauma for lifetime, change course of rivers impacting downstream industries, etc. NDMA Guidelines: Ways to mitigate: (1) Hazard zonation & mapping (2) Use of geo-textiles to stabilise slopes by Lunple, Mizoram (3) Family warning sensors do check cost moisture, rainfall pattern etc. (4) Adoption of recommendations of ESZ declaration (Madhav Gadgil) (5) Promoting sustainable tourism (Vikram Gaonwat Panel) (6) Strict enforcement of construction guidelines in sensitive areas to per ISRO Landslide Atlas Benjamin Franklin said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.