Suggests afforestation, de-watering of affected slope
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Feb 2: A study by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) has concluded that the landslide in the Pernote area of Ramban district in April 2024 was caused by natural geological conditions of the region and prolonged rainfall, not by construction or seismic activity.
The landslide, which struck on April 25 last year, caused significant damage, destroying houses, power lines, transmission towers, the Ramban-Gool Link Road, and the water supply system.
While some reports had suggested that construction activities, including road expansion and tunnel building in the eco-sensitive zone, might have triggered the disaster, the WIHG’s findings contradicted this claim.
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A three-member team of scientists from WIHG Dehradun conducted a detailed investigation of the area after receiving a notice from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in November 2024.
In their report submitted to the NGT, the experts attributed the landslide to the weak geological structure of the terrain.
According to the report, the landslide occurred at the footwalls of the Murree Thrust, where the rocks are highly sheared and fractured, making them fragile and prone to collapse.
The team found that the slope in Pernote consists of alternating layers of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone. Among these, mudstone is particularly soft and easily breaks apart, increasing the risk of landslides, the team claimed.
The researchers also noted that the slope in this region is steep to very steep, making it highly vulnerable.
They explained that the prolonged rainfall before the disaster acted as the triggering factor.
“The heavy rains caused the sediments to become waterlogged, which reduced their shear strength and led to their eventual sliding down the slope,” claimed the WIHG team.
To prevent future landslides, the WIHG team has recommended several measures.
The primary step, they suggested, is dewatering the affected slopes and diverting water away from the landslide-prone areas, as water is the main cause of slope instability.
The scientists have also proposed drainage work for both surface and sub-surface water.
They emphasized the importance of afforestation on barren slopes, recommending the plantation of fast-growing deep-rooted trees such as eucalyptus, alder, and willow.
This, they believed, will help hold the loose soil together and prevent further erosion.
Other suggested measures included creating terraces or benches on steep slopes to reduce soil movement, using bioengineering techniques to stabilize the affected areas, and applying impermeable materials like mortar, asphalt, or geosynthetic clay liners to act as barriers against water infiltration.
The construction of retaining walls with weep holes and earth buttresses for additional support was also advised.
Additionally, the research team stressed the need to educate the local population about landslide mitigation.
Awareness programs, they believed, should be conducted to inform residents about effective prevention strategies and best practices to reduce disaster risks.
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