D - Kalimpong Landslides (Case Study)

Question 1

At what elevation is Kalimpong located and which river does it overlook?

Answer 1

1,250m; Teesta River

Question 2

What is the average annual rainfall in Kalimpong?

Answer 2

About 2,200mm per year

Question 3

What is the approximate per‑capita annual income in Dumsi Pakha?

Answer 3

Around ₹35,000 ($410)

Question 4

What are the two primary causes of landslides in Dumsi Pakha?

Answer 4

Poor water management and slope disruption

Question 5

How does water management contribute to landslide risk?

Answer 5

Uncontrolled discharge into garbage‑choked gullies that dry out then flood in monsoon

Question 6

How do terrace excavations for housing increase instability?

Answer 6

They steepen the slope above each mini‑terrace, making it more prone to failure

Question 7

What drainage infrastructure is missing in Kalimpong?

Answer 7

There are no sewers or storm drains, so runoff goes unregulated into natural channels

Question 8

How does construction waste dumping affect slope stability?

Answer 8

It adds extra weight on hilltops and blocks drainage paths, worsening instability