Maharashtra, one of India’s most populous and industrialised states, is no stranger to the devastating effects of natural disasters. With a population of 126 million, the coastal state faces frequent threats from floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and droughts. However, one of its most pressing challenges is landslides, particularly during the monsoon season in the hilly regions of western Maharashtra.

These landslides not only claim lives but also displace entire communities and disrupt local economies.

In a groundbreaking effort to tackle this issue, the Government of Maharashtra has partnered with Palladium to launch a comprehensive disaster management initiative. This partnership is focused on reducing risks and strengthening resilience through preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and reconstruction.

The Growing Threat of Landslides

Landslides are a recurring nightmare for the Sahyadri, Konkan, and Deccan Plateau regions of Maharashtra. Between 2018 and 2024, these disasters claimed 145 lives, including a tragic incident in July 2023 in Irshalwadi village, where 29 people were killed, and dozens more were buried under debris.

“Landslides can devastate entire villages, forcing residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods,” says Akshay Srivastava, a disaster risk reduction expert at Palladium India. “The human and economic toll is staggering, making it imperative to address this threat systematically.”

Mapping the Danger Zones

In response to the growing crisis, the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority, with technical support from Palladium, conducted a detailed Landslide Susceptibility and Risk Assessment. This groundbreaking study combined historical data from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) with advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to identify the most at-risk areas.

“We began by mapping past landslide incidents using GSI’s extensive inventory,” explains Nalini Sankaranarayanan, Associate Director at Palladium India. “This allowed us to pinpoint areas with the highest frequency of landslides and integrate this data with infrastructure details like housing and hotels.”

The result was a categorisation of regions into very high, high, medium, and low-risk zones, with a focus on areas where landslides could cause the most harm to people and infrastructure. The analysis identified 483 high-priority villages in urgent need of mitigation measures.

A Comprehensive Plan for Action

The findings culminated in the creation of Maharashtra’s first-ever Landslide Management Plan in 2024. This plan outlines a multifaceted approach that includes both structural and non-structural measures:

• Structural Solutions: Engineering interventions such as slope stabilisation, retention walls, and surface drainage systems aim to prevent landslides in vulnerable areas.
• Non-Structural Measures: Early warning systems, community training programs, and strict zoning regulations are designed to minimise risks. High-risk zones have been designated as “No Construction Zones,” while construction in moderate-risk areas now requires approval from local disaster management authorities.

With an investment of US$57.3 million, the plan also emphasises community engagement and capacity-building programs. “Residents are being trained to respond effectively to disasters and take charge of their own safety,” Sankaranarayanan notes.

A Safer, More Resilient Maharashtra

The impact of these efforts is already being felt. Communities that previously had little to no warning before a landslide now benefit from early warning systems, giving them precious time to evacuate and save lives. “By integrating technology with local knowledge, we are not just preventing disasters but also empowering communities to recover and thrive,” says Srivastava.

Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium India, underscores the project’s broader vision: “Our collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra is about more than just physical safety. It’s about giving people peace of mind and the tools to build a better future. By addressing immediate risks and fostering long-term resilience, we are creating a blueprint for sustainable disaster management.”

A Model for Disaster Management

Maharashtra’s Landslide Management Project is setting a new standard for disaster preparedness and response. By combining cutting-edge technology, engineering solutions, and community-driven initiatives, the state is not only reducing the risk of landslides but also transforming the lives of its most vulnerable citizens.

With enhanced infrastructure, early warning systems, and empowered communities, Maharashtra is paving the way for a safer, more resilient future. As the state continues to implement its comprehensive plan, the hope is clear: fewer lives lost, stronger communities, and a Maharashtra that can weather any storm.