Assam Signs Agreement for Landslide Early Warning System
In a significant step towards combating landslides in Assam, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Guwahati. The MoU focuses on implementing an Experimental Regional Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS).
Key Figures
The MoU was signed by Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer of ASDMA, and Siladitya Sengupta, Deputy Director General of GSI, Assam.
Why This Matters
Landslides cause significant damage in Assam’s hilly regions, affecting areas like Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Cachar, Karimganj, and Kamrup. The new system aims to provide early warnings using static landslide susceptibility maps and dynamic rainfall forecasts.
Future Plans
The initial focus will be on Dima Hasao and Cachar districts, with plans to expand the system statewide. Additionally, GSI has launched the ‘Bhooskhalan’ app, allowing people to report landslides, which will help improve disaster prediction and mitigation.
Doubts Revealed
Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, tea gardens, and beautiful landscapes.
Landslide -: A landslide is when a large amount of earth, rocks, and debris suddenly slide down a slope, which can be dangerous and cause damage.
Early Warning System -: An Early Warning System is a way to detect and alert people about a danger, like a landslide, before it happens so they can stay safe.
ASDMA -: ASDMA stands for Assam State Disaster Management Authority. It is a group that helps manage and reduce the impact of disasters in Assam.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) -: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is an organization that studies the earth, including rocks and minerals, to understand natural events like landslides.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) -: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is an agreement between two or more parties to work together on a common goal.
Guwahati -: Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and is known as the gateway to northeastern India.
Dima Hasao and Cachar -: Dima Hasao and Cachar are hilly districts in Assam that are prone to landslides.
Bhooskhalan app -: The ‘Bhooskhalan’ app is a mobile application launched by the GSI to help people report landslides and improve disaster management.
