Landslide problems in Uttaranchal, India: issues and challenges

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how landslide and mass movements are recurring phenomena in the Himalayan region. The consequences in recent times have become more severe in terms of casualties and extensive damage to the roads, buildings, forests, plantation and agriculture fields.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on field work and secondary source on information about various landslides in the Uttaranchal, India.FindingsIn recent years, the intensive construction activity and destabilizing forces of nature have combined to generate huge and complex problems, never encountered before. Implementation of number of hydro‐electric schemes, large‐scale construction of dams, roads, tunnels, buildings, towers, ropeways, tanks and other public utility works as well as indiscriminate mining and quarrying have brought most of instability problems such as never witnessed before.Research limitations/implicationsMitigation of an active landslide is a difficult option. It has been observed that despite of best technological options available the mitigation of an active landslide costs a lot which is, some times not economically viable.Practical implicationsPrevention is the best practice for landslide management which can be introduced through proper landuse planning.Originality/valueThe proper and scientific management of landslide will certainly reduce the miseries of the community living in this region. However, for that we must be addressed certain issues.