Landslide Zone Assessment in Kalikundi Tola, near Nun Pahar of Rajmahal Hills in Pakur, Jharkhand
Kalikundi Tola, also known as Hesak Tola or Jabra Tola, part of Nunpara village in Amrapara Block, Pakur District, Jharkhand, lies at the foothills of Nun Pahar, a prominent feature of the Rajmahal Hills. Nunpara Manjhi Tola is located approximately 85 meters below the summit of Nun Pahar, while Kalikundi Tola is situated about 155 meters below the hilltop. Myself with JVP friends attended a community meeting on 18th Oct 2024 with villagers from Kalikundi Tola. All community members highlighted concerns over frequent landslides on the adjacent hill slopes north of Kalikundi tola creating fear among the residents that heavy rains could cause large boulders and soil to slide, potentially devastating their village. Particularly if it happens in night many people will lose their lives.
Site Observations and Key Findings:
1. Geological Background: Nun Pahar, with an elevation of 315 meters above mean sea level, is the remnant of an ancient volcanic eruption, which occurred around 115 million years ago. The volcanic history has resulted in distinct geological formations in the area.
2. Topography: The southern slope of Nun Pahar near Kalikundi Tola is steeper (with slopes exceeding 33%) compared to the northern slope towards Kerma and the eastern slope towards Manjhi Tola. This topographical contrast contributes to differing levels of slope stability.
3. Composition of Slopes near Kalikundi tola: The Southern slope of Nun Pahar adjacent to Kalikundi Tola is characterized by large basaltic boulders covered with thick soil deposits formed over millions of years. These materials, likely consisting of volcanic ejecta such as boulders and cobble, contribute to the instability of the slope.
4. Contrasting Slope Stability: The northern slope of Nun Pahar towards Kerma is predominantly made of basalt traps, which have hardened over time and are less prone to erosion. In contrast, the southern slope near Kalikundi Tola, lacking this hardened surface, is more vulnerable to erosion and landslides.
5. Forest Cover and Deforestation: The northern slope near Nun Pahar is partially covered with forest, while the southern slope near Kalikundi Tola has been heavily deforested. This deforestation has led to a loss of slope stability, making the soil more susceptible to landslides during the monsoon season.
6. Impact of Agriculture: The slope near Kalikundi Tola was tilled for agriculture before the monsoon season, loosening the soil. As a result, during the rains, more water infiltrated the soil, further weakening its cohesion. The region experiences late monsoon rains from August to October, which exacerbate this instability and often trigger landslides.
7. Seepage and Soil Saturation: Several seepage points were observed in the landslide-prone areas, where water accumulates during heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of soil and rock displacement.
8. Vegetation and Landslide Correlation: Areas with sparse or no tree cover are more prone to landslides. The absence of vegetation allows for greater soil erosion and water infiltration, further destabilizing the slopes.
9. Historical Perspective: According to an elderly villager, Shri Bara Kamla Paharia, the first landslide in the area occurred 15 to 20 years ago after more than five days of continuous rain. He recalled how the soil has eroded significantly since his youth, exposing large basaltic boulders that were once covered by soil. This gradual erosion is a clear indicator of the deteriorating slope stability.
10. Community Insights and Concerns: Villagers expressed concern that further deforestation and human activities are accelerating slope destabilization. Some, like Singe Paharia, attributed deforestation to nearby Ambajhora village, while others, such as Damu Paharia of the Bir-Hasa Da Banchao Samiti, acknowledged that local residents also contribute to the problem by cutting down trees.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The situation in Kalikundi Tola is critical. The combination of deforestation, agricultural practices, and increasing rainfall has made the area highly susceptible to landslides. If immediate action is not taken, future landslides, particularly during the late monsoon, could severely damage or destroy the village and nearby agricultural fields.
Key recommendations include:
- Urgent intervention by local authorities to halt further disturbances on the hill slopes.
- Implementation of agroforestry and low-tillage agricultural practices to stabilize the soil.
- Stone Medhbandhi are to be stopped which may increase the weight on the hillslope.
- Prohibition of high tillage crops like corn and bajra, which contribute to soil loosening.
- Promotion of soil conservation techniques and increased plantation efforts to restore the vegetative cover and enhance slope stability.
Immediate and coordinated action is required to protect the village from the growing threat of landslides.
