# Study projects higher landslide risk across Karnataka’s Western Ghats

2026-08-07T12:46:21+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A study published in Scientific Reports projects a sharp rise in landslide susceptibility and risk across Karnataka’s Western Ghats by 2050. It examined about 45,000 sq km across seven districts, using machine learning to combine projected rainfall and land-use changes under four climate scenarios. The biggest increases are expected near transport corridors and populated areas in Uttara Kannada, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru. The Deccan Herald reports that three people, including a three-year-old child, died in a recent landslide in Shivamogga’s Thirthahalli. Environmentalists said successive state governments have not acted on a 2021 report recommending mitigation measures in 23 vulnerable taluks, including limits on earthmover use and expert review of development work.

## Coverage

- india.mongabay.com <https://india.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/07/study-warns-of-growing-landslide-threat/>
- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/three-deaths-in-shivamogga-landslide-trigger-calls-for-preventive-measures-4104345>

Tags: climate change, disaster risk, Karnataka, land use, landslides, Western Ghats
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/climate-change-land-use-to-raise-landslide-risk-in-karnataka-western-ghats-study/
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Cite: https://indianopinion.org/climate-change-land-use-to-raise-landslide-risk-in-karnataka-western-ghats-study/#story-in-brief

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