Building Climate-Resilient Hydropower: Slope Stability and Landslide Risk Management

Landslides and slope instabilities are among the most critical geotechnical hazards affecting hydropower projects in mountainous regions, particularly across the Himalayas where steep gradients, weak lithology, and coinciding with intense monsoon rainfall. Climate change has intensified these risks through more frequent and severe rainfall events, glacial retreat, and temperature-driven weathering (IPCC, 2023; NDMA, 2020). This article presents a comprehensive framework for slope stability management in hydropower infrastructure, focusing on the Himalayan and adjoining hill regions of India and Nepal. Integrating geotechnical, hydrological, engineering, policy planning, and community-based approaches, it emphasizes climate-resilient design principles. The Case studies; Tehri Dam, Parbati-II, Chungthang Dam (2023) illustrate slope failure mechanisms, mitigation strategies, and lessons for adaptive management. Findings reveal that over 70% of Himalayan hydropower projects experience slope instability during construction or operation. The article recommends integrating predictive technologies, remote sensing, real-time instrumentation, and AI-based modelling with institutional coordination and community participation to ensure sustainable and safe hydropower development in the face of accelerating climate change.