Heavy rainfall in Darjeeling and Kalimpong on the night of October 4 has triggered multiple landslides, killing at least 14 people and cutting off key roads and bridges. Rescue operations are ongoing but difficult due to damaged terrain and constant rain. The disaster has also disconnected communication lines with nearby Sikkim after the collapse of an iron bridge near Teesta Bazaar.
What Are Landslides?
A landslide happens when soil, rocks, and debris slide down a slope due to gravity. Heavy rain makes the soil heavy and slippery, causing it to lose balance and move downhill. In hilly areas like Darjeeling, deforestation, unplanned construction, and poor drainage make the problem worse. Roads and buildings often block natural water flow, adding more pressure on the slopes.
Why Is India So Vulnerable?
India faces frequent landslides, especially in the Himalayan states. According to the Geological Survey of India, about 13% of India’s land is landslide-prone, covering 15 states and four Union Territories. The northeastern region alone accounts for 42% of these vulnerable areas. Unlike cyclones or floods, there is still no reliable early warning system for landslides. Some pilot systems exist in Kerala, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand, but large-scale use is yet to begin.
The Situation in Darjeeling
Darjeeling, often called the “Queen of Hills,” has suffered repeated natural disasters for over a century. Landslides were recorded in 1899, 1968, 1980, 2011, and 2015. In recent years, the combination of climate change and reckless development—like hydro projects, hotels, and roads—has made things worse. Rainfall patterns have changed, becoming more intense and destructive in a short time.
Experts say that stronger institutions, better planning, and early warning systems are urgently needed. Local authorities lack funds, training, and technology to handle disasters. There’s also a need for a national-level climate and disaster management centre for the Eastern Himalayas.
Darjeeling’s fragile hills are not just an environmental issue—they hold national and economic importance. Protecting them means protecting India’s people, heritage, and security.
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