National Landslide Forecasting Centre
Context:
Recently, the Union Minister inaugurated the National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC) at GSI, Dharitri Campus, Salt Lake City, Kolkata.
Relevance:
GS-3 (Disaster Management)
Key Highlights:
About the National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC):
- The NLFC is a pioneering initiative aimed at mitigating landslide hazards in India.
- It started from 20th July 2024. The residents of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri districts will receive live forecasting reports.
- The NLFC aims to issue early warning bulletins for all landslide-prone states, with the goal of operationalizing the regional Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) nationwide by 2030.
- Advanced technology will be used to provide early information to local administrations and communities, update landslide inventories, and integrate real-time rainfall and slope instability data for better forecasting accuracy.
About the Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan Mobile App:
- The Bhusanket Web Portal represents a significant advancement in disaster risk reduction.
- This portal will provide crucial data and information on landslide hazards, enabling short- and medium-range landslide forecasting across the country.
- Integrated with the Bhusanket Web Portal, the Bhooskhalan Mobile App will facilitate the rapid dissemination of daily landslide forecasts and allow stakeholders to share and update information on landslide occurrences.
Significance:
- Disaster Preparedness:
- The NLFC and its associated tools will significantly enhance disaster preparedness and risk reduction in landslide-prone areas.
- Early warning systems will enable timely evacuation and preventive measures, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage.
- Technological Integration:
- The integration of advanced technology, such as real-time data collection and analysis, will improve the accuracy and reliability of landslide forecasts.
- The Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan Mobile App will make critical information accessible to a broader audience, including local administrations, communities, and disaster management authorities.
- Community Involvement:
- These initiatives encourage community involvement in disaster management by allowing stakeholders to contribute and access vital information.
Way Forward:
- Expand Coverage:
- Extend the live forecasting and early warning systems to all landslide-prone regions in India by 2030.
- Continuously update and refine the NLFC’s capabilities to cover more areas and improve forecasting accuracy.
- Strengthen Local Capacities:
- Build the capacities of local authorities and communities in landslide-prone areas through training and awareness programs.
- Ensure effective use of the Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan Mobile App by providing training on their functionalities and benefits.
- Enhance Technological Infrastructure:
- Invest in further technological advancements to enhance the NLFC’s forecasting accuracy and real-time data integration.
- Foster collaborations with research institutions and technology partners to innovate and improve landslide forecasting methods.
- Policy Support:
- Develop and implement robust policies for sustainable landslide management, incorporating the use of advanced forecasting tools and community involvement.
- Ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated for the maintenance and expansion of the NLFC and its associated technologies.
