LANDSLIDE RISK ASSESSMENT IN RAIGAD DISTRICT USING AHP AND GIS: A MULTI- CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING APPROACH

Abstract

This study presents an in-depth analysis of landslide susceptibility within Raigad district, Maharashtra, through a GIS based multicriteria decision making approach. The research considers slope, aspect, land use, distance from roads, and streams for making a comprehensive map of the landslide susceptibility. The critical zones are the western and central parts of Raigad, characterized by steep slope and a dense drainage network. Preexisting data on landslides in the paper area is used for validation of the susceptibility map. With the results from the validation, most of the landslides are inside very high or high danger zones projected by the model; hence the model can be said to be accurate and reliable. The present strong validation enables further aid in the enhancement of the credibility of the findings and augments the use of the susceptibility map. The study also looked into the built-up area within proximity of high-risk areas. The proximity of built up to the very high-risk zones was assessed through buffer analysis, where built up within 1 km radius of the very high-risk zones was identified. The results explains the potential threat to this region and brings attention to for urgent mitigation measures. Other important causes that have made landslides highly vulnerable include deforestation, agricultural cultivation, and construction activities conducted by human beings. Such studies signal the areas describing the need for sustainable land uses and impositions of strict laws to reduce such threats magnificently. The landslide susceptibility map, along with its validation and proximity analysis, will be useful in providing key information to the planners and administrators of Raigad district. Therefore, the findings stand as a means to protect communities at risk from landslides.