Identification of landslide potential sites along Sheringal-Kalkot road, upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan (T-1452) (MFN 8628)

Abstract

Northern Pakistan is the host of a variety of geo hazards, which has rugged terrain, monsoon rains and active seismicity. Millions of people are affected by landslides throughout the world. The road network plays a vital role in the local as well as regional development of a country. The location of study area Upper Dir district is a road which leads to two famous tourist spots of Pakistan, Kumrat valley and Jazz Banda. The tourists and local population experience intensive land sliding, causing road and other damages including property and human loss. This research was focused on detailed study of the landslides. The methodology adopted, included reconnaissance of the study area, landslide identification by remote sensing method followed by field visits and lab work. A total of twenty-five (25) land sliding potential sections were marked during the field work. The study performed included slope plane measurements, scan line survey, rock quality designation, rock strength, discontinuity spacing and groundwater conditions. The risk maps were also prepared. This study revealed that the area is prone to planer failure and toppling, varieties of land sliding. Seven (7) sections were identified as toppling, while eighteen (18) sections have the affinities towards planer failures. Based on stability map the study area is divided into four zones, i.e., low potential (2 sections), moderate potential (4 sections), high potential (9 sections) and very high potential (10 sections) zones. Both, the direct and indirect impacts of land sliding on humans and their properties, environment and other infrastructures were evaluated. Some mitigations techniques to avoid or minimize humans and/or property losses, in the study area, are also suggested.