Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (UPSC 2013)

The Himalayas experience landslides more frequently because they are young, rising and tectonically unstable mountains. The Western Ghats are older, structurally more stable, so slope failure is less common.

• Tectonics: Active faults, frequent earthquakes and thrust zones in the Himalayas loosen rocks.
• Relief: Very steep slopes and high relief increase gravitational stress.
• Rocks: Folded, fractured and weathered sedimentary rocks fail easily.
• Climate: Heavy rain, cloudbursts, glaciers and freeze-thaw action trigger slips.
• Human impact: Road cutting, hydropower, blasting and unplanned building worsen instability.

Thus, a fragile geological setting, harsh climate and intense development make Himalayan landslides more frequent and severe than those in the Western Ghats.