The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 50 villages across five districts in Maharashtra as highly prone to landslides. This identification follows an extensive survey conducted by the GSI’s Maharashtra unit since 2015, covering 632 villages in Pune, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, and Thane districts.
The GSI’s survey included a detailed examination of 318 villages in Raigad, 190 in Satara, 74 in Pune, 45 in Ratnagiri, and five in Thane. The findings have been compiled into comprehensive reports submitted to the respective district administrations. These reports aim to prompt immediate safety measures to protect life and property in the identified high-risk areas. In some cases, the GSI has recommended the complete rehabilitation of entire villages to safer locations. A senior geologist involved in the survey highlighted the urgency of the situation. “The state government needs to step in at the earliest to implement safety measures or relocate villages where necessary,” he stated. The GSI’s findings are particularly critical for villages situated below hillocks in remote zones, which are inherently more vulnerable to landslides.
The findings were discussed in detail during a workshop attended by geologists and district officials from Pune, Raigad, Satara, Thane, and Palghar. The workshop aimed to foster knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among geologists and state government officials to effectively tackle landslide risks. Various aspects of landslide hazard assessment, mitigation strategies, and disaster management were deliberated upon, providing a common platform for all stakeholders. Looking ahead, the GSI team plans to survey over 100 villages in Sindhudurg district in the 2024-25 period. The team has emphasized the importance of scientific techniques in identifying and listing landslide-prone villages. They have urged district officials to adopt these methods to ensure a holistic and effective approach to landslide risk management.
Since 2014, Maharashtra has witnessed three major landslides in Pune, Satara, and Raigad districts, resulting in the tragic loss of 200 lives. These events underscore the critical need for proactive measures and preparedness in landslide-prone regions. The GSI’s identification of high-risk villages is a crucial step towards mitigating the impact of landslides in Maharashtra. The collaborative efforts between geologists and state officials, coupled with the adoption of scientific techniques and strategic planning, are vital for safeguarding vulnerable communities. The state government’s prompt action on these recommendations will be essential in preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety and resilience of these regions.
