Kodagu gets cracking to protect its terrain

Mysuru: It appears that all is not lost in Kodagu where a team from the Geographical Survey of India (GSI) has blamed the recent landslides and surface cracks on thoughtless development. The geologists, who inspected the district, have come up with measures to contain the damage caused and prevent a similar disaster in future.

On studying surface cracks on the  Aiyyappa hill and at hilltop of Nehrunagar, the geologists have suggested they be filled with impervious material to reduce chances of water infiltration, and their regular monitoring.

They have also asked for a retaining wall with weep holes to be built near the vertical cut on the unstable slope along the approach road to the Talacauvery temple where a landslide was reported in August.

Besides suggesting filling of surface cracks mid- slope in the Brahmagiri hills in Talacauvery, they have recommended filling of the contour trenches made by forest department. In Korangala village where a landslide  claimed five lives, they have suggested the establishment of  a plantation or growing vegetation on the loose soil, among a host of other measures.

DC Annies Kanmani Joy said the district administration had taken temporary remedial measures suggested by the geologists at the Aiyyappa hill, Nehrunagar in Virajpet taluk, and Brahamagiri. As  more funds  would  be required for semi- permanent remedial measures at Aiyyappa hills and Nehrunagar, the administration  had asked the PWD to prepare estimations in consultation with the GSI , she added.

The  preliminary post- disaster study by geologists Sunandan Basu and Kapil Singh of the GSI and officers of the state government in Virajpet and Bhagamandala has blamed the modification of the hill slope through “cutting and benching” for construction of houses and road widening without proper support for the many landslides that hit the region in August.