Guwahati: In a major step towards mitigating the recurring threat of landslides, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday.
The agreement aims to establish an experimental Regional Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) for the state.
The hilly districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Cachar, Karimganj, and Kamrup (M) have been particularly vulnerable to landslides, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
The new system will use data from landslide susceptibility and hazard maps, along with rainfall forecasts, to predict potential landslides and issue early warnings.
To enhance public participation, GSI has launched the “Bhooskhalan” app, where citizens can report landslides. Additionally, a web portal called “Bhusanket” provides real-time updates on landslide incidents across India.
The MoU was signed by ASDMA CEO Gyanendra Dev Tripathi and GSI’s Deputy Director General Siladitya Sengupta.
The system will initially be implemented in Dima Hasao and Cachar districts, with plans to expand it statewide in the future.
Officials from both organizations expressed optimism about the project, emphasizing its potential to save lives and reduce property damage caused by landslides.