Landslide mapping of the everest region Using high resolution satellite images and 3d visualization

Mt. Everest region was declared as "Sagarmatha National Park" in 1976 with a mission to conserve and maintain the biological and cultural values, and scenic beauty of its landscape for the benefit of the present and future generations primarily as sources of inspiration, recreation, education and prestige; and to support livelihoods of the local people in a manner that will not harm its integrity. It has also been inscribed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 for its aesthetic and scientific values. The extreme relief and younger geology with high seismic activities make the Himalaya an extremely hazardous region. Earthquakes, landslides, rock falls, avalanches and flash floods are the common types of natural hazards in these mountains. Due to limited lands suitable for inhabitation and farming in the mountains, the land resources are heavily exploited and people are forced to live in danger zones. Pressures due to increased population and tourism activities have made the people to settle in the areas which have high risks of these natural hazards. The new management plan for the national park recommends a management zoning system for conservation, and promotion and management of tourism. In this context, knowledge about the hazardous areas is important for a rational planning.