A fresh review of landslide risks along some of Arunachal Pradesh’s most vulnerable transport corridors has renewed calls for India to introduce terrain-specific construction standards for its mountain regions.
In a technical discussion held this week, the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), led by Director Tana Tage, met IIT Bombay’s Dr Pinom Ering to assess gaps in current early-warning systems and building norms in high-risk zones.
Dr Ering, a geotechnical engineering expert and a member of the National Building Code committee, explored with CESHS scientists how early-warning systems could be strengthened using field-based instruments. Among the proposed tools were piezometers, extensometers, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves and drone-supported Ground Penetrating Radar, backed by AI and machine-learning models. Researchers said a combination of these technologies could help develop a more science-driven system capable of issuing timely alerts along key corridors.
The meeting also flagged the lack of Indian Standard Codes designed specifically for construction in the kind of complex, unstable terrain seen across Arunachal Pradesh. Engineers say this gap continues to pose serious risks in a geologically delicate and highly seismic region. CESHS officials added that working closely with national institutions like IIT Bombay could play a key role in improving both scientific capability and regulatory frameworks to reduce disaster vulnerability in the state.