UPSC Mains 2021 GS3 Q18 — Landslide management
Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- DescribeMention
- Scope keywords
- causeseffects of landslidesimportant componentsNational Landslide Risk Management Strategy
- Implicit sub-parts
- Distinction between natural/geological triggers and anthropogenic/human-induced causes.
- Categorization of effects into immediate socio-economic loss versus long-term ecological impact.
- Alignment of the National Strategy with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on Himalayan landslides while ignoring Western Ghats or North-East specificities.
- Describing general disaster management (NDMA) instead of the specific 'National Landslide Risk Management Strategy' (2019).
- Listing effects only as 'loss of life and property' without discussing infrastructure damage or river course alteration.
- Missing the 'Strategy' components like Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) and Early Warning Systems (EWS).
- Dimensions required
- GeomorphologicalSocio-economicInstitutional/PolicyEnvironmental
- Marks allocation hint
Devote approximately 80 words to causes (balancing natural and human factors) and 60 words to effects. The core 'National Strategy' section requires 100 words covering its specific pillars like hazard mapping and awareness. Use the remaining 10 words for a forward-looking conclusion.
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