LANDSLIDE VULNERABILITY AND ITS IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITY: A GEO-SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF DISTRICT MANDI, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Landslide is the downward movement of slope debris along a surface where shear failure occurs. This is an event which occurs in the process of geomorphological transformation resultant to an event of extensive magnitude causing significant physical damage or destruction, loss of life and drastic change to the environment. In the Himalayan region landslides occur every year, causing casualties and large economic damage. However, the magnitude of hazard impact can be reduced if its likelihood is recognized before any type of land development activity. Presently, landslide mapping, hazard assessment and risk evaluation are important goals for scientists, planners, administrative decision makers and land developers. In this context, present study seeks to analyse the spatial pattern of vulnerability to landslide and impact on existing communities of the study area with the help of advance geo-spatial technology. A GPS based ground survey has also been conducted to verify the results.