Precipitation dynamics and slope stability in the urban hills of baluwakhani, gangtok
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Rapid urban growth and unplanned construction in fragile mountain ecosystems have significantly heightened geomorphic risks. This study evaluates the impact of rainfall variability on slope stability in Baluwakhani, a densely populated residential Municipal ward of Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Gangtok Sikkim. Spanning an area of approximately 0.4 square kilometers on a steep hillside, Baluwakhani serves as a dynamic case study for human-environment interaction under climatic pressure. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, household surveys were systematically conducted across diverse slope positions (ridge, mid-slope, and near-valley) to document localized historical instability events—such as structural wall cracks, minor soil slips, and subsidence alongside community risk perceptions and existing drainage conditions. This primary field data was correlated with a 10-year climatological dataset (2014–2024) obtained from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to bridge the gap between regional meteorological triggers and household-level vulnerability. The findings highlight how intense population pressure, the modification of natural slopes, and infrastructural constraints compound rainfall-induced instability. Ultimately, this research identifies key anthropogenic factors, assesses the efficacy of household-level structural adaptations like retaining walls, and provides actionable recommendations to enhance urban drainage resilience and sustainable slope management in high-risk Himalayan settlements.
Authors: Chettri, Ajay, Agarwal, Sushil
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7165853547
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