DISCUSSION ON LANDSLIDES AND FORMULATION OF A MEGA PROJECT

GEMS Arts and Science College organized an online discussion on 5th and 19th August 2020 on the social relevant topic 'Landslide'. Expert speakers participated in the discussion were Professor Hemant Hazarika from Kyushu University Japan, Dr.VS Sarma, Former chief scientist of CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute Hyderabad, Dr.Sreekumar Director Integrated Rural Technology Centre, Palakkad Kerala, Dr.Manoj Phukan and Dr.Sanjay Deori Scientists from CSIR North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat Assam, Dr.Bikash Gogoi from Gauhati University, Dr.Arnab Bodmudoi from Assam down town university Dr.Tapos Goswami from Dibrugarh University, Dr.Bibash Nandan from Geological Survey of India NE region, Vice Chairman, Principal and the faculties of GEMS Arts and Science College Malappuram Kerala. The discussion was moderated by Dr. B.G. Unni, the Academic and Research Director of the College. Dr.Unni in his introductory speech said that the main objective of the discussion is to plan for a larger mega project on landslides possible funding for the project, major sites (North east region, Kerala), and other technical aspects. The panel members attended the meeting put forward the following suggestions. Professor Hement Hazarika put forward the possibility of availability of funding to this mega project from the Japanese government (JSPS/JST/JICA) apart from the Indian funding agencies like UGC,CSIR and DST etc. He said, first of all we should have found out the major reasons for the slope failure in the particular area that was mentioned in the topic. After that we can decide what kind of studies are to be done in the particular area. EWS(Early Warning System) is very essential. Most important thing is that we have to visit the site of the landslide to know the reason for the slides and then we should go for mitigation studies. Geotextiles wont work with the deep landslides. Dr.V.S Sharma, Rainfall data in areas to be collected and it should be supplemented well with Geo Engineering Dr. Bikash Gopi said the differences in the geological perspectives are the reason for the landslides and the presence of red soil and humus causes the slope failure in the many Landslide areas. Information Dr. G.K. Gopalakrishnan suggested his opinion about the causes of the Landslide in August 2019 in the Malappuram district. was due to the record breaking unusual rainfall. There are several geological and other factors which may influence the possibility of forecasting of slope failure. Dr. Manoj Pukhan put forward the tectonic and rain induced landslides are most common in nature. Dr. Subin Prakash put forward the causes of landslides in Kerala may be the excessive weathering of pre-existing rocks. Vasu Devan (Vice Chairman) said that the un-scientific quarrying in the different part of the district may be one of the causes of landslides in the district. According to Dr.Sreekumar, Artificial Intelligence based forecasting systems are the need of the hour for tracking landslides. Soil piping is a major problem in areas like Wayanad and Geotextiles may be used for strengthening fragile land Dr. Bashab Mahanta said that Landslide susceptibility Tests are being done, and by 2022 it will be completed in North East India. The EWS trial run is undergoing in Darjeeling and it will be extended to other parts of the country. According to Dr.Tapos Goswami, Areas prone to landslides are well demarcated. EWS with regard to rain can be given as it is practiced in the North East. Traditional methods of doing a project on landslides won’t work instead mitigation or remedial measures with EWS is what we need. Urbanization in hilly areas and unscientific constructions is the major cause of landslides in the North East. Dr. Naveen Mohan, Principal of the college mentioned that the extensive deforestation is one of the major causes of Landslides happening in the Puthumala, Wayanad. In conclusion Dr.Unni, Director Academic and Research of the college put forward the following future plan regarding the formulation of mega project. The mega project will be coordinated by one coordinator and one joint coordinator .Prof Hemant Hazarika from Japan and Prof VS Sharma will be the technical adviser/Consultants. The panel members from NE region may submit their project proposal to Dr.Arnab Mudoi and from Southern part, may submit to office to Director Academics and Research / Principal, and a copy of the same to office of the Director IRTC on or before 21stSeptember in the template (DST format) .to the respective coordinating panel members. The final project proposal will be submitted to Department of Science and Technology (SERB under Earth Sciences), and to the respective Ministry of Earth sciences of central and state govt agencies too. At the end, the vice chairman appreciated for the efforts for organizing such very important meeting.