INTEGRATING GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS AND MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING FOR LANDSLIDE RISK GOVERNANCE: A STEP TOWARDS LOCAL RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Landslides are one of the most devastating global hazards, resulting in significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure worldwide. Addressing landslide risks aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing disaster vulnerabilities. Himachal Pradesh is considered as one of the important hotspots when it comes to landslides, Shimla district has religious and tourism importance and is substantially affected by frequent landslides. The mapping and assessment of landslide susceptibility zones are crucial for disaster risk reduction, Government policies and land-use planning. This paper presents a comprehensive research methodology for landslide susceptibility mapping integrating Analytical Hierarchy Process - Geographic Information System approach. The AHP allows for the incorporation of expert judgment in the evaluation of various causative factors, while GIS facilitates the spatial analysis and visualization of the susceptibility zones. About nine landslide causative factors (geology, slope, rainfall, land-use landcover, drainage density, elevation, aspect, distance to road and curvature) were considered for the study and corresponding thematic maps were prepared which were utilized in final preparation of landslide susceptibility zonation mapping. Using AHP technique and pairwise comparison the weightages are assigned to thematic layers according to their prominence and dynamic processes in the study area. The research is conducted in a Shimla district which is known for its landslide activity, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the AHP-GIS approach in delineating landslide-prone areas. The findings depict valuable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders in developing strategies for landslide risk management and mitigation, contributing to sustainable land-use planning and disaster resilient development. The outcomes of this study provide valuable inputs for local self-government bodies to incorporate geospatial risk assessment into sustainable land-use planning and disaster management policies.