Urbanization and Anthropogenic Transformation of Hill Slopes in Almora Town of Kumaun Himalaya
Journal Title: Universal Journal of Environmental Research and Technology - Year 2016, Vol 6, Issue 1
Abstract
Hill towns of the fragile Himalayas are facing a newly emerged problem of mismanaged and unplanned building construction. Anthropogenic and technogenic activities in the recent past have lead to several geomorphic and environmental problems. This problemhas become more dangerous because of material transformation of the hill slope in the fast growing towns. These materials replaced and transformed in unscientific manner cause environmental hazards. The fast growing towns and cities in Uttarankhand with changing pattern of housing is causing instability in the hill slopes. The geologically active and sensitive mountainous region of Kumaun Himalaya is prone to natural hazards and disaster. Almora town located at 29° 36'N latitude and 79° 39' E longitude lying in Kumaun Himalaya has been selected for the present study. Detailed study of Almora town was conducted to find out the rate of sediment mobilization due to unplanned building construction. Sediment mobilization is accelerating more problems in urban sprawl of Almora town area. Preliminary field investigation indicates that the demographic pressure without proper planning strategies is causing land degradation and socio-economic problems to a great extent. Urbanization in the hill slopes, if not planned properly, result in slope failures and ultimately causes damage to life and property.
Authors and Affiliations
Pushpa and Jyoti Joshi
Keywords
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