Assam Signs MoU for Landslide Early Warning System with GSI

In a strategic move to tackle landslides in Assam, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority and the Geological Survey of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement an Experimental Regional Landslide Early Warning System. This initiative aims to reduce landslide risks and enhance disaster response mechanisms.

In Guwahati, Assam, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday between the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to implement an Experimental Regional Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS). The MoU was signed by Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, CEO of ASDMA, and Siladitya Sengupta, Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India.

The persistence of landslides in Assam often leads to unnoticed or inadequately managed incidents, resulting in recurrent damage. Particularly affected areas include the hilly terrains of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Cachar, Karimganj, and Kamrup (M) districts. These landslides not only claim lives but also destroy numerous houses and crucial infrastructure annually.

A major focus in recent times has been the development of a regional Landslide Early Warning System, incorporating static landslide susceptibility maps and dynamic rainfall forecasts for better prediction and risk reduction. The MoU signed aims to foster institutional cooperation and implement an experimental Early Warning Forecast system for landslides. Initially targeting Dima Hasao and Cachar districts, the model aims to eventually cover the entire state. GSI also introduced the 'Bhooskhalan' App, enabling people and organizations to report landslide incidents for enhanced disaster coordination and forecasting.

(With inputs from agencies.)