Landslide Hazard Zonation of Lunglei Town, Mizoram, India Using High Resolution Satellite Data

Abstract

Immature geology coupled with heavy rainfall is the main causes of slope instability resulting in landslides in the hilly regions of north-east India including Mizoram. The occurrence of landslide is more frequent within the township where anthropogenic activities are taking place. The present study has been taken up to study the landslide prone areas of Lunglei town using high resolution satellite data. Various thematic layers, namely, lithology, geological structures, slope morphometry, geomorphology and land use/land cover were prepared using Satellite Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The various parameters were classified, ranked and weighted according to their assumed or expected importance in inducing slope instability based on apriori knowledge of the experts. A heuristic method has been applied for the assignment of ranks and weights. Finally, landslide hazard zonation map is prepared showing five hazard classes ranging from very low hazard to very high hazard. The landslide hazard zonation map prepared in the present study will be useful for carrying out mitigation programmes as well as for planning and implementation of future developmental schemes within the town.