CASE STUDY-MALPA LANDSLIDE-1998

 INTRODUCTION:

• The Malpa landslide was one of the worst landslides in India.

• The rockfall started on 16 August bringing down huge rocks which
initially killed three mules.
• On 18 August 1998 at 3.00 a.m., massive landslides wiped away the
entire village of Malpa in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, then in
Uttar Pradesh in Kali Valley of Higher Kumaon division of the Himalayas.
 CAUSES:

• Prolonged Heavy rains.

• The landslide prevailed due to steep, almost vertical slopes of rock above the valley.
• The proximity of the rock mass to major tectonic plates.
• Major rainfall into the porous rock, and stress on the rock formations all contributed to the landslide.
• Unplanned construction and urbanization on the fluvial and un-consolidated materials produced by active
faults/thrusts in various sectors.

 IMPACTS:

• The landslide generated around one million cubic meters of rock fall and debris flow., 15m high heap of debris were
formed.
• These debris partially blocked the kali river.
• A total of 221 people died, including 60 Hindu pilgrims traveling to Tibet as part of "Kailash Manas Sarovar Yatra“.
• Massive rock fall killed 210 people in the Kali Valley.
• The Malpha village was wiped out in the event.
• Disrupted the road networks to Manas Sarovar
 MITIGATION BY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS:

• Awareness among locals and to educate the people about mountain risks and hazards.
• Possible ways of living with these hazards.
• Site-specific hazard zone maps to give a broad picture during regional planning.
• Regular monitoring of deformation patterns.
• Early warning systems and monitoring systems should be there.
• Restriction on the construction in the risky areas should be imposed.
• Afforestation programs should take place.
• Terrace farming should be adopted in hilly areas.
• Response teams should be quick to deal with landslides if they occur.