---
title: "Mitigation of geological hazards"
subject: "Engineering Geology II"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_4/engineering_geology_ii:geohazard-mitigation-measures"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/geohazard-mitigation-measures
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Mitigation of geological hazards

Engineering Geology II · Chapter 5: Geological Hazards

- Asked in: 2075 Bhadra, 4 marks
- Video: [Landslides: Mitigation Measures](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X6-T-9IQBE) — EMPC-IGNOU
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/geohazard-mitigation-measures
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/engineering_geology_ii/chapter-5

## Question

What are the measures for mitigation of geological hazards?

## Short answer

Mitigation comprises non-structural measures like hazard mapping, early warning, building codes, and education, plus structural works. Structural measures include drainage, retaining walls and rock bolts for landslides; embankments for floods; lake lowering for GLOF; earthquake-resistant design; and grouting for subsidence.

## Answer

Mitigation means reducing the effect and the risk of hazards. Measures are structural (engineering) and non-structural.

#### Non-structural
1. **Hazard and risk mapping and zoning;** land-use planning to avoid dangerous areas.
2. **Monitoring and early warning:** seismographs, rain and stream gauges, GLOF alarms, inclinometers.
3. **Building codes** (NBC) and enforcement.
4. **Education, awareness and preparedness:** drills, evacuation plans, emergency funds and insurance.
5. **Afforestation** and control of deforestation and unplanned construction.

#### Structural
1. **Landslides:** drainage, slope re-grading, retaining walls, rock bolts, shotcrete, bio-engineering.
2. **Floods and erosion:** embankments, spurs, check dams, river training, reservoir storage.
3. **GLOF:** lowering of lake level by drainage channels or siphon, spillways, protective dams.
4. **Earthquakes:** earthquake resistant design, base isolation, retrofitting, avoiding active faults.
5. **Subsidence:** grouting, controlled groundwater pumping.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is a non-structural mitigation measure?
   A. Embankment
   B. Rock bolts
   C. Hazard mapping and zoning
   D. Retaining wall
   Answer: C. Zoning, early warning, codes and awareness are non-structural. (Key point: Non-structural)

2. Which is a structural measure for GLOF?
   A. Land-use zoning only
   B. Insurance
   C. Planting trees in the town
   D. Lowering lake level by drainage channel or siphon
   Answer: D. Also spillways and protective dams. (Key point: GLOF structural)

3. Which reduces earthquake risk?
   A. Earthquake resistant design, base isolation, retrofitting
   B. Check dams
   C. Grouting of cavities
   D. Siphons
   Answer: A. Avoiding active faults also helps. (Key point: Earthquake measure)

4. Which structural measure is for subsidence?
   A. Rock bolts
   B. Grouting and controlled groundwater pumping
   C. Embankments
   D. Spurs
   Answer: B. Subsidence arises from cavities and groundwater withdrawal. (Key point: Subsidence)

## Related in Engineering Geology II

- [Himalayan hazards and mitigation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Ahimalaya-hazards-mitigation) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 5
- [Mitigation of geological problems in Himalaya](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Ahimalaya-problems-mitigation) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 2
- [Geological hazards of Higher Himalaya](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Ahigher-himalaya-hazards) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 2
- [Mitigation measures of erosion](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Aerosion-mitigation) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 5
- [Problems of Lesser Himalaya with mitigation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Alesser-himalaya-problems) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 2, asked 5×
- [Main geohazards versus man-made hazards](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Amain-geohazards-manmade) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 5, asked 2×

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- [Climate change threat, impact and mitigation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Acc-threat-impact-mitigation) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 3
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- [Short note: Climate change mitigation and adaptation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Acc-mitigation-adaptation-note) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 6