Abstract

Landslide hazard zonation mapping using remote sensing and GIS in Kodaikanal taluk, Dindigul district
India is vulnerable to different natural hazards of which 15% of total area of the country is susceptible to landslides exceeding 0.49million km2. Landslides are caused in hilly terrains due to factors like gravity, weathering, deforestation, earthquake, heavy precipitation etc. Kodaikanal Taluk of Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu covers an area of about 1038.13 sq.km. The methodology involves generation of geology and lineament density map. Geology map is prepared from GSI (Geological Survey of India) source. Lineament density map is prepared from Cartosat. To identify the vulnerable areas, the above-mentioned parameters were analyzed in a GIS by assigning appropriate ranks and weights. The result is a landslide hazard zonation map showing regions with varying degrees of vulnerability to landslides. The result is further visually compared with the rainfall data collected in the statistical department for the last ten years from 2000-2013 (June to December). It is opined that such a map (which is derived from the analysis of the causative factors) will enable to propose and implement suitable mitigating measures like preventing and controlling traffic during peak rainfall month in hazardous region thus preventing loss of life and property in the Kodaikanal hills.