Abstract ID: 3.11324 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA

Shimla, a key hill town in the Indian Himalayas, faces increasing slope failure risks due to unplanned urban growth and rapid land use changes. Unregulated construction, deforestation, and hill slope modifications have destabilized the terrain, heightening disaster vulnerability. This study examines the impact of unplanned urban expansion and human activities, such as road cutting, deforestation, and poor drainage, on slope failure and landslide susceptibility. To assess these risks, the study utilizes both primary and secondary data. Primary data are collected through field surveys, recording building conditions, GPS coordinates, and local information. Secondary data are obtained from government departments in Himachal Pradesh, along with satellite images and a 30m Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for spatial analysis. GIS tools like ArcGIS and Erdas are used to analyze land use and land cover changes, slope stability, and geological conditions. Ground verification with GPS and local validation ensures data accuracy. By integrating remote sensing and GIS, hazard mapping and risk assessment identify vulnerable areas to support sustainable urban planning. The findings emphasize the urgent need for stricter building regulations, afforestation, and slope stabilization. Without intervention, Shimla’s expanding urban footprint will continue to endanger lives and infrastructure. The study advocates for policy reforms and risk-sensitive land use planning to mitigate future disasters.