Pradeep Paudyal and Megh Raj Dhital
Central Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University
Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
The rocks in the Thankot–Chalnakhel area constitute the Chandragiri Range bordering the Kathmandu valley. The Phulchauki Group of rocks comprise its steep and rugged south slope, whereas the gentle north slope is covered by fluvio-lacustrine deposits of the Kathmandu basin with some recent alluvial fans. During the field study, 94 landslides (covering about 0.24 sq km) were mapped. Most of them were triggered by intense rainfall within the last two years. Landslides are generally found on steep colluvial slope (25°–35°) and dry cultivated land. Based on a computer-based geographical information system, a landslide hazard map, a vulnerability map, and a risk map were prepared. The landslide hazard map shows 20% of the area under high hazard zone, 41% under moderate hazard zone, and 39% under low hazard zone. The risk map generated by combining the hazard map and vulnerability map shows 19% of the area under high and very high risk zones, 33% under moderate risk zone, and 48% under low and very low risk zones.