Kharkatwa

Kharkatwa is a term used in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India to describe a type of landslide or landslip. More specifically, it refers to a slow-moving, earth-based landslide, often characterized by a gradual subsidence and lateral movement of soil and debris on a hillside. These landslides are typically triggered by heavy rainfall, deforestation, and geological instability in the area. The damage caused by Kharkatwa landslides can range from minor disruptions of agricultural land to significant destruction of infrastructure, settlements, and loss of life. Due to the mountainous terrain and susceptibility to monsoon rains, Kharkatwa landslides are a recurring hazard in the Kumaon region, requiring careful monitoring and mitigation efforts. The term is locally understood and used in disaster management and risk assessment contexts.