Experts have warned that climate change and expanding infrastructure are significantly increasing landslide risks in Himachal Pradesh and across the Himalayan region. The concerns were raised during the Landslide Risk Assessment and Mitigation (LARAM) Course 2026 hosted at IIT-Mandi, where scientists from India and abroad discussed the causes, changing patterns and technological solutions for landslide risk management.

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• Experts warn landslide risks rising in Himalayan region, especially Himachal Pradesh.
• Concerns raised during LARAM Course 2026 hosted by IIT-Mandi.
• Climate change altering rainfall patterns, increasing slope instability.
• Short-duration intense rainfall events now more frequent than earlier.
• Sudden heavy rain quickly saturates soil, triggering landslides.
• Large-scale slope cutting for roads, buildings and infrastructure weakening hills.
• Four-lane highway projects require deeper slope cuts, up to 10–12 metres.
• Increased load from infrastructure development destabilising fragile terrain.
• Scientists using remote sensing, ground studies and computational models for risk assessment.
• AI and machine learning improving landslide prediction but accurate forecasting remains challenging.
• Experts call for stronger policies, hazard mapping and international research collaboration.