[...]
Between 2011 and 2020, Nepal’s urban population grew significantly, fueling demand for infrastructure. While roads are vital for economic development and connectivity, their haphazard construction has exacerbated landslide risk. The increasing frequency and impact of landslides in call for urgent action. Existing landslides have a lasting impact, influencing the occurrence and size of subsequent landslides, a concept known as path dependency. Landslide path dependency underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent future events.
Comprehensive land-use policies should be implemented to regulate construction activities, particularly in landslide-prone areas. Proper planning and enforcement can minimise slope destabilisation caused by unregulated development. Engineering interventions such as retaining walls, drainage systems, and slope reinforcement can mitigate landslide risk. Additionally, advanced monitoring systems, including satellite imagery and ground-based sensors, can provide early warnings and improve disaster preparedness. Nepal is not alone in facing landslide challenges; similar trends are seen across the Himalayas.
[...]
Sustainable methods
Training local engineers and contractors on sustainable methods is equally important. Global efforts to combat climate change are crucial for mitigating its impact on monsoon intensity. Public education campaigns can help communities understand landslide risk and adopt preventative measures. Community-based disaster risk reduction programmes should be prioritised. Nepal's increasing challenge of landslides emphasises the critical equilibrium between development and environmental preservation.
Mitigating these challenges necessitates collaborative efforts from the government, scientific community, and local stakeholders to implement effective solutions. By integrating science, policy, and community action, Nepal can build resilience against landslide disasters and ensure safer living conditions for its people. Nepal’s majestic landscapes have long inspired awe but demand respect. Let us not only marvel at the grandeur of the Himalayas but also pledge to safeguard them — and the communities that reside within their majestic embrace.
[...]