1. Location :- Sindebung, on the eastern face of the Kalimpong ridge line; the landslide has its base near Relli river.
2. GPS coordinates : N 27° 04.130' E 088° 29.631'
3. Elevation: 3041ft (926m)
4. Probable Cause : Erosion caused by numerous natural drains (jhoras) which plough thru the area.
5. Remarks : Despite the many studies undertaken at Sindebung and visits by GSI, media and VIPs, nothing has been done to mitigate or otherwise manage the landslides. As such year after year farmers in the area have lost land with no compensation whatsoever. As built up areas in the upper reaches of Kalimpong town expand, the volume of surface run-off from these areas flowing into the jhoras increases causing more scouring and erosion. This cycle seems to repeat with no end in sight even as the landslides move upwards threatening to destabilize parts of Kalimpong town itself. You can read more about the slides in the STH blog here
Praful Rao
Praful Rao
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