AN EVALUATION OF LANDSLIDE HAZARD MITIGATION MEASURES: A CASE STUDY OF MUZAFFARABAD, A.J.K.

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse the landslide hazard reduction policies in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Landslide hazard is a frequently occurring event in this area. It varies in nature, type and damages. Land sliding is a down slope movement of soil and other rock material under the gravitational influence. The impact of landslide in the area is very wide in nature. The effects include damages to the already scarce agricultural land houses and other property. Therefore, this study is an attempt to find out the weaknesses in the government landslide hazard reduction policies and suggests policy recommendations to ensure safety of human lives and reduce landslide damages. For detailed and intensive study five sample sites were selected in the surrounding of Muzaffarabad. The sample area includes Makrj, Middle Plate, Lower Plate, Upper Plate and Panjgran. The study reveals that mature geology, wide variation in climate and degradation of natural resource base are the major causes of landslide hazard. It also affected the infrastructure, human lives and other property. The paper is divided into seven sections. Section one of the study deals with the detail introduction of the study. Section two describes the research methodology. Section three is given to an over view of landslide hazard. Section four assesses the landslide hazard classification. Section five evaluates the landslide hazard reduction measures in the study area. Section six is given to findings and conclusion. Recommendations are given in the final section.