Environmental impacts of debris flows-A case study of the two debris-flow zones in the Garhwal Himalaya
Debris flowis very common in mountain regions. Generally, it occurs due to slope failure, flash flooding and high rainfall. Anthropogenic factors further accentuate its intensity. It has negative impacts on the environment and economy of the affected regions as well as on flora and fauna. Similarly, debris flow impacts the economy with loss of agricultural land, existing crops, settlements, public and private property and human lives. A case study of two debris-flow zones of the Pindar Basin of the Garhwal Himalaya has been carried out. The intensity and magnitude of debris flow in two zones vary from each other. In both, debris flows resulted from high precipitation (cloudbursts) in the highlands (danda), and their impacts were concentrated in the valley regions (gangar). The highlands are characterized by dense forest and steep slopes, while valley regions are characterized by gentle slopes with vast agricultural fields and human settlements. Heavy losses of life and in the economy and environment recur. This paper aims to examine the impact of debris flows on the environment and economy of the affected areas of the Garhwal Himalaya in general and two case-study zones in particular. Data were gathered in the field and from primary sources including interviews with affected people.
debris flow slope failure cloudburst environmental impact losses of life and property Himalaya Mountains
V.P. Sati
Department of Geography, Government Post Graduate College Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, India
国际会议
成都
英文
715-723
2007-05-17（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）