Integrated Landslide Process Analysis for Sustainable Hazard Management in the Bhagirathi Valley

Abstract

Landslides are among the most widespread and destructive natural hazards in the Himalayan region, where intricate geological formations, rugged terrain, heavy precipitation, and growing human activities collectively contribute to slope instability. The Bhagirathi Valley, situated in the tectonically dynamic Garhwal Himalaya, is particularly vulnerable to frequent landslide events that interrupt transportation networks, impair hydropower facilities, endanger settlements, and disturb delicate mountain ecosystems. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of landslide mechanisms and triggering factors in the Bhagirathi Valley through an integrated and sustainability-focused framework. Detailed field-based geological and geomorphological surveys are integrated with GIS and remote sensing techniques to evaluate lithology, structural features, slope characteristics, drainage patterns, land-use transformations, and anthropogenic influences. The findings reveal that landslide activity in the region is controlled by a combination of highly weathered and weak rock formations, ongoing tectonic movements, steep gradients, intense monsoonal rainfall, riverbank erosion, and unplanned developmental activities such as road excavation and hydropower projects. The study underscores that landslides in the valley are not merely natural occurrences but are shaped by complex interactions between environmental and human factors. To address this challenge, a sustainability-oriented framework emphasizing ecosystem-based mitigation strategies, hazard-sensitive land-use planning, and active community involvement is proposed to minimize future risks. The results offer valuable insights for disaster risk reduction policies and sustainable development initiatives in Himalayan mountainous regions.