Monsoon Alert: 9 Landslides-Prone Hill Stations During the Monsoon
Monsoon Alert: 9 Landslides-Prone Hill Stations During the Monsoon
July 11th, 2024
Nestled high amidst the clouds, where the earth kisses the sky, hill stations weave their magic, where serene whispers lie. Mountains, rivers, valleys and trees all around showcase a pristine scene.
India’s diverse landscapes include many hill stations, some of which are prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon.
Some of these places should be avoided to ensure your well-being especially when visitors are fascinated by the pluviophile monsoon season. The first hill station to avoid any landslide damage in India is Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Himalayas coupled with heavy rainfall deforestation causes severe landslide incidents. Therefore, one should avoid travelling to Manali especially, in the monsoon.
Another place in Himachal Pradesh is Shimla, again due to rapid urbanization, deforestation, and anthropogenic activities along with heavy rainfall lead to landslides in Shimla. It can lead to roadblocks and discomfort for people to travel.
Mussoorie is a beautiful place in Uttarakhand that is so appealing for tourists and visitors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the hill stations, making the ambience so quiet and tranquil. This place should definitely be avoided in the monsoon season as steep terrain, and heavy rains with immense deforestation, increase the risk of landslides, posing risk to travellers as well as creating problems for the residents settled in these areas.
Additionally, Darjeeling, West Bengal which is so renowned for its tea plantations, richness in culture and natural heritage and the famous toy train that has been declared a UN heritage is prone to severe landslides that should be avoided to travel to in the monsoon season, in particular. It has disrupted rail connectivity and has suffered many landslide incidents over the past couple of years.
On the other hand, Nainital, Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain as well as unstable slopes and construction of buildings on them increase landslides and risks blocking roads, leading to disruptions.
Next, Munnar, Kerala has virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, huge splashy waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding walkways are all part of the great holiday experience on offer for a traveller to Munnar. However, these scenic elements are prone to devastating landslides, especially in the monsoon.
Avoid travelling to Ooty, Tamil Nadu which is so famous for its Nilgiri Hills because they experience heavy rainfalls and lead to landslides. Properties, settlements, and road damages are prevalent during landslides and adversely affect the civilian population in a severe manner.
Kalimpong, West Bengal, which is known as the ‘land of the kings’ is a precious gem with views of the spectacular Kanchenjunga range, roaring Teesta River and emerald green Rangeet Valley. Yet, steep slopes and heavy rainfall make it vulnerable to landslides.
Matheran provides a panoramic and unobstructed view of the deep valleys and stretching forests that surround the hill station of Matheran. It is also famous for trekking. The Western Ghats and heavy rainfall make it vulnerable to landslides causing severe damage and disrupted travel.
