Impact Of Climate Change And Quarrying On Landslides And Floods In The Southern Western Ghats: A Remote Sensing And Gis-Based Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the impacts of climate change and quarrying activities on landslides and flood occurrences in the southern regions of the Western Ghats, utilizing remote sensing and GIS data for analysis. The Southern Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive area, has witnessed increasing incidents of natural disasters, which are exacerbated by anthropogenic activities, such as quarrying, and climatic changes. By employing satellite imagery and GIS-based spatial analysis, the study assesses land-use changes, rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and slope stability over the past few decades. The research further evaluates the contribution of quarrying to destabilization of slopes and the alteration of natural drainage systems, which can lead to increased flood risks. The results of this study highlight the synergistic effect of climate change and human intervention in amplifying the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters. The findings provide crucial insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental conservationists to design sustainable strategies for disaster risk reduction and management in the region.