No abstract

: Methodology involving four steps for data base generation required for LHZ map of Western Ghats has been suggested. The first three steps viz. i) analysis of previous data, ii) laboratory investigations for preparation of base maps and iii) field checks offer valuable information on causative factors and their components of slope instability. This information, in turn, assisted in assigning the rating to each component or group of components in the fourth step. The rating scheme helped in obtaining the values of total hazard evaluation f actor, on the basis of which the study area has been categorized into four landslide capability zones namely, Most Hazardous-, Hazardous-, Moderately Hazardous-and Least Hazardous zones. The numerical data obtained in a representative area namely the Kera area has been presented and efficacy of the methodology is discussed. It has been suggested that the rating scheme can be useful in correlation of landslide affected areas of Western Ghats and the data base can be used in GIS/ILWIS.

A vast tract in Maharashtra State of India, constituted of horizontally disposed basaltic flows of Cretaceous-Eocene age, falls in the semi-arid climatic zone characterised by low precipitation and high temperature and evaporation. Such areas are marked by the variety of calcretes including massive, honeycomb, nodular, and powdery types. These calcretes which owe their origin to both pedogenic and nonpedogenic processes, are responsible for imparting the salinity to the groundwater. An integrated approach, involving geological, hydrogeological and hydrochemical studies, has been employed for delineating the boundary of saline and fresh waters in the groundwater system and evaluating the variation in salinity in the area around the Khathkari stream (18 13’ to 18 18’ N latitudes, and 74 13’ to 74 22’E longitudes) in Pune district. The paper briefly presents the data collected during the course of the work and incorporates the three-fold remedial measures such as i) protecting fresh water that occurs at deeper depth, ii) improving the present quality of water and iii) suggesting an appropriate crop-pattern that can stand for present and improved quality of water.