The Research group of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Jha, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has developed a district-level avalanche vulnerability framework—the Combined Avalanche Vulnerability Index (CAVI) to assess avalanche vulnerability across 11 districts in the Indian Western Himalayan Region. This study integrates various meteorological, topographical, and anthropogenic factors to assess vulnerability. The findings indicate that Lahaul and Spiti are the most exposed district, Shimla is the most sensitive, and Rudraprayag is the least adaptive district to avalanches. Three out of five districts in Himachal Pradesh are highly vulnerable, while five out of six districts in Uttarakhand exhibit moderate vulnerability. To address the vulnerability, the study proposes a phased adaptation plan encompassing pre-hazard, during-hazard, and post-hazard measures aimed at mitigating avalanche impacts. More details at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-025-06015-8
