All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2019 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (02-Jun-2019)

Disaster preparedness is the foundational step in the disaster management cycle, focusing on proactive measures to reduce the impact of hazards before they occur. It builds the capacity to manage emergencies effectively, saving lives, minimizing property damage, and reducing economic losses.

In the case of landslides, Hazard Zonation Mapping is a vital preparedness and mitigation tool. It involves scientifically analyzing and classifying regions into zones—high, moderate, and low-risk—based on factors such as slope gradient, geology, soil type, rainfall intensity, and land use patterns.

This mapping significantly aids disaster mitigation in several ways:

  • Informed Land-Use Planning: Zonation maps guide authorities in regulating development, preventing construction of vital infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and homes in high-risk zones. This helps avoid the creation of new vulnerabilities.
     
  • Engineering and Structural Measures: High-risk areas can be prioritized for slope stabilization techniques like retaining walls, surface drainage, and afforestation to reduce landslide potential.
     
  • Early Warning Systems: By identifying vulnerable zones, monitoring systems can be strategically installed, enabling timely alerts and evacuation to minimize casualties.
     
  • Public Awareness and Evacuation Planning: Maps serve as educational tools for communities, increasing awareness of risks and supporting the development of safe evacuation routes and shelter locations in safer zones.
     

By providing a scientific foundation for action, hazard zonation mapping transforms landslide mitigation from reactive responses to strategic, evidence-based interventions, making communities more resilient to future disasters.

Answered By:

Harsh Raj

Harsh Raj is a successful government exam expert, having cleared multiple stages of SSC CGL, IBPS PO, CDS, RRB NTPC, and Delhi Police SI exams himself and mentored more than 5000 students through direct mentorship. His expertise is in creating well researched content, especially MCQs, which have been directly asked by relevant commissions in multiple exams.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?

  2. What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

  3. Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.

  4. What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.

  5. What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.

  6. What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards?

  7. Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.

  8. Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.

  9. What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.

  10. What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements.


Important Questions from GS3

  1. Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?

  2. What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

  3. Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.

  4. What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.

  5. What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC CMS
August 02, 2026
IAS Exam
August 21, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
654 Tests 3 Tests Free
681 Attempts
4.8(182)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App