Why are our mountains sliding ?

Why are our mountains sliding down? We had one recent event in Maharashtra wherein at Irshalwadi the whole village got buried under land slide. 40 Persons lost their lives and many are missing. The villagers were sleeping when this happened and nothing they could do to save themselves. Similar thing had happened at village Malin near Bhimashankar wherein whole village was buried due to landslide. In Uttarakhand also earlier when trekkers were sleeping in tent below the mountain they were covered with mud. Those who died include Protima Bedi. Now recently Himachal Pradesh is worst tragedy. The roads to Manali had number of landslides and whole movement blocked. In case of Chandigarh Shimla highway there are number of landslides and particularly at Chakki Mor the whole road was severed making complete stoppage of movement. It was not possible to repair the road as it is so the mountain was carved in D shape and motorable road made. As such earlier road was made by blasting mountain and later again mountain was blasted. Now whatever rework done is showing Crack again. Mountains are speaking and retaliating When we are using land mines and blasting mountains then it is like severing someone's arm. If you are harming anyone's one arm then he will hit you with other arm as retaliation and would stop your act. Resist strongly and fight with full vigour. How mountains are formed? Mountains are formed by movement within the Earth’s crust. The crust itself is made up of several large plates, called tectonic plates, which are free floating. These huge chunks of the Earth’s crust move within molten rock called magma, which allows them to shift and collide over time. In this way, mountains are created over time. When these plates collide, there is a great deal of mass and pressure which suddenly comes to a stop, and it is this movement that forces the Earth into buckles or protrusions which are known as mountains. As such mountain as structure is not very stable. In recent past the climate has changed. The rainfall has increased due to El Nino effect. There is too much rain in very short time. This has created water falls in places wherein they were never seen before. Normally the soil absorbs water but this time due to quantum of water fallen on mountains they are not able to absorb further and also it weakens soil. Such soil gives way and it further causes land slide. Retaining Walls While making roads when the mountain is broken they are erecting retaining walls. Normally it is made up of stones. The other option is to erect concrete wall. This is right next to mountain slope and is expected to hold any mud slide which can occur. However, in practice the slide from mountain also includes big rocks and stones. The impact is so large that it rips apart such retaining wall and same also becomes part of debris fallen on the road. Tunnels While making roads in mountainous region it is challenge to make roads or rail wherein there is steep climb or slope. The digging of tunnel inside mountain gives straight path. Making tunnel inside mountain is like piercing 2 rods into one’s stomach. While it is convenience for the mankind definitely damage to the mountain. The reasons for which we should be grateful as we have mountains. Preserve Biodiversity. They have rich flora and fauna. Trees which maintain climate balance in the region Many rivers have their source in mountain. Mountains act like storehouse for water. cities including Melbourne, Nairobi, New York, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo are dependent on mountains for fresh water. Hydro-power stations can be built due to mountains Forest is grown and retained on mountain. The debris falling from mountains is worldwide phenomenon. They include: Kula and Karapina in Turkey, the Taal mountain in Philippines, Hverfjall of Iceland, Paricutin and Pinacate in Mexico, the Luera, Fox and Elephant mountains in Australia, Manda-Inakir, which is found on the Ethiopia/Djibouti border and a number of mountains across the North American west coast, in British Columbia, Oregon and California. Nicaragua etc. Now the question is as to how to prevent land slides from mountain? The answer lies in human actions. 1) While roads are made along the mountain one needs to study geology of the path. Kind of rock present, its depth etc. 2) The regular inspection of mountains to find out whether any soil erosion has taken place or cracks developed. 3) The construction regulations to check damage being done to mountain while constructing buildings and bridges. Type of foundation used and release of drainage. The ideal solution is to leave mountain untouched. However easier said than done. 17% of world population has already made mountain their home. There are huge number of tourists flocking such destinations and demanding more and more hotel rooms. Taking care is the only thing in our hands. DPK Udas