A slope map is a critical thematic layer in landslide studies, representing the steepness or incline of the terrain. Slope angles are directly correlated with landslide susceptibility, as steeper slopes are generally more prone to failure. This map is generated using a SRTM DEM. The slope is classified into 5 (five) classes, ranging from 0° to 70°. The slope map helps identify areas where the angle of incline exceeds the threshold for stability, making them more likely to experience landslides. It also aids in planning mitigation measures such as slope reinforcement or terracing, in these high-risk zones.

The elevation of Churachandpur, Manipur, ranges from 100 m to 2,000 m. Lower elevations (100 m-400 m) are flat plains supporting agriculture and settlements. Between 400 m and 800 m, the terrain features gentle slopes, while 800 m to 1,200 m showcases rolling hills. From 1,200 m to 1,600 m, the land becomes steeper with dense forests. The highest regions, 1,600 m to 2,000 m, consist of rugged mountainous areas. This elevation classification informs land use, environmental diversity, and vulnerability to hazards like landslides.

Churachandpur district in Manipur features a diverse elevation range, classified into five classes from -24 m to 24.88 m, according to data from Earth Explorer (USGS). The elevation variation especially the lower and upper limits, influences the district’s landslide susceptibility, with low-lying areas facing erosion and the higher slopes vulnerable to instability. The district’s hilly terrain and soil types, influenced by clay and sandy deposits, also play a significant role in landslide occurrence. Effective mapping of elevation variations is essential to understanding high-risk zones and implementing proper landslide management strategies.

An aspect map shows the direction a slope faces, influencing environmental factors like sunlight, moisture, and wind patterns. The slope's orientation affects erosion and vegetation, both crucial to landslide risk. Southern-facing slopes (in the Northern Hemisphere) are drier and more erosion-prone, while north-facing slopes retain more moisture, impacting soil stability. Aspect can be classified into five classes, ranging from 70° to 360°. An aspect map provides vital information for understanding how slope orientation contributes to landslide risk.

A geological map is indispensable in landslide studies as it shows the distribution of different rock types, fault lines and soil compositions within the study area. The nature of the bedrock and surface materials plays a crucial role in determining slope stability. Fault lines also indicate zones of weakness where landslides are more likely to occur. Understanding the geological context through this map helps in predicting potential landslide zones and in designing appropriate engineering solutions to mitigate risks.

The geomorphology of Churachandpur district, analysed from Bhukosh.GSI.gov.in data, is categorized into seven classes, reflecting terrain characteristics that influence landslide susceptibility. Moderately dissected hills and valleys, covering about half of the area, feature rugged slopes prone to significant soil erosion. Highly dissected hills and valleys, with steep gradients, are especially vulnerable to landslides during heavy rainfall. Other geomorphic units, like low dissected hills and isolated hillocks, contribute to the region’s complex topography, necessitating detailed landslide susceptibility zonation and monitoring.

A soil map provides detailed information on the types and properties of soils present in the study area, including factors like soil texture, composition, permeability and cohesion. These properties are critical in determining the stability of a slope. For instance, soils with high clay content may expand and contract significantly with moisture changes, leading to slope instability. Sandy soils, on the other hand, may have low cohesion, making them prone to erosion and landslides. Understanding the soil characteristics through this map helps in assessing landslide susceptibility and in designing appropriate mitigation measures such as soil stabilization techniques.

Land use and land cover maps provide detailed information on how the land is being utilized, including vegetation cover, agricultural activities, urban development and deforestation. Human activities, such as construction and deforestation can significantly alter the natural stability of slopes, making them more susceptible to landslides. For example, areas that have been deforested or converted for agriculture might lose the root structures that help bind the soil, increasing the likelihood of landslides. This map is crucial for assessing the impact of human interventions on slope stability and for planning land use in a way that minimizes landslide risk. The study area is mostly comprising of hills and mountains where it covers 94.75% of the total area and the plains and valleys covers just about 5.25% of the total area.

The drainage system of Churachandpur, classified into classes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 based on data from Earth’s Hydrosheds.org, significantly influences landslide susceptibility. Higher drainage classes represent larger, more defined water channels. In the hilly topography, streams in classes 1 and 2 are prone to rapid water flow and erosion, creating high-risk zones for landslides due to slope instability. Conversely, class 4 and 6 drainages, with larger networks, accumulate more water, contributing to soil saturation and weakening, particularly during heavy rainfall. Understanding these patterns is crucial for identifying landslide-prone areas and implementing erosion control.

Churachandpur's road network, critical for regional connectivity, includes Village Roads, Major District Roads, State Highways and National Highways. Data from the PMGSY portal highlights the vulnerability of these roads, particularly due to frequent landslides from the district's rugged topography and heavy monsoon rains. National Highways 150 and 102B, essential for trade are especially susceptible to landslides. These disruptions require extensive maintenance, particularly in steep areas with unstable soil types like Barail and Surma-Disang formations. Effective road planning and drainage management are vital for enhancing resilience and safety.

Churachandpur district experiences substantial annual rainfall, generally ranging from 700 mm to 1,200 mm, as indicated by CHRS data portal records, with some years experiencing surges up to 2,000 mm due to climatic variability. The district's rainfall distribution varies geographically, with the southern and southeastern areas, particularly near the Myanmar border, receiving higher rainfall compared to the northern parts. This gradient is shaped by topography and monsoon patterns, bringing more moisture-laden winds to the southern regions. While this supports rich biodiversity, it also contributes to soil erosion and landslide susceptibility, especially on steep slopes. These conditions underscore the district’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the need for effective watershed management to mitigate environmental risks.

This supports the hypothesis that higher weightage parameters significantly influence total scores. Key factors like slope, curvature, hill shade and geology hold critical weight in assessing landslide susceptibility. High-scoring regions demand immediate attention for sustainable planning. Integrating these insights into zonation mapping enables proactive disaster management, safeguarding infrastructure, livelihoods and resilience in vulnerable areas through informed data-driven decisions.

Low Landslide Zones in Churachandpur district cover 1,089.47 sq. km (45.55% of the area), offering stable terrain with minimal landslide risks, making them suitable for development and infrastructure. These zones include Lamka town, much of the northwestern and northeastern regions, and areas bordering Bishnupur district, primarily valley regions with naturally lower landslide risks. Villages like Kangvai, Tolbung, Zalenphai and Tollen lie within these zones, providing safer environments for expansion. Ongoing monitoring and sustainable practices like controlled land use, vegetation preservation and soil conservation are crucial for maintaining stability and fostering resilient growth.

Medium Landslide Zones in Churachandpur district cover 904.52 sq. km (37.81% of the area), facing moderate landslide risks. These regions require careful construction and land use planning, incorporating mitigation strategies like slope stabilization, vegetation reinforcement and improved drainage to minimize incidents, particularly during heavy rains. Located mainly in the southeastern, southwestern and northern areas, these zones include villages such as Suangdoh, Changlei, Lungthul, Behiang, Panglian, Munhoih, Lhangnom, Nabil and Sehken. Critical transit routes, including National Highways NH-150 and NH-102B, also fall within these zones, requiring close monitoring and regular maintenance to ensure stability and prevent disruptions.

High Landslide Zones in Churachandpur district cover 398.01 sq. km (16.64% of the area) and pose severe hazards due to steep slopes and frequent landslides, mainly in the south-eastern, south-western and northern parts. These areas are unsuitable for extensive development without specialized engineering solutions. Critical highways NH-150 and NH-102B pass through high-risk zones, connecting Lamka to Aizawl, Tipaimukh and Behiang at the Mizoram border. NH-150 serves the Pherzawl district along Henglep sub-division, while NH-102B is crucial for transportation of goods and commodities into Lamka town. Six landslides occurred between Maukot village and Suangdoh village recently along NH-102B, 13 landslides occurred between Suangdoh village and Lungthul village and 30-35 landslides between Lungthul village and Tuivai Bridge. Additionally, 2-3 landslides were recorded along Teddim Road which runs towards Behiang. Urgent measures like slope stabilization, erosion control and deforestation restrictions are essential to ensure infrastructure stability.