• UGI USER
  • Aug 02, 2024
  • 7 Likes
  • 0 Comments

NHAI’S UNSCIENTIFIC PRACTICES LED TO SHIRUR LANDSLIDE

Why in the news?

Unscientific construction by NHAI contributed to a massive landslide in Shirur, causing significant damage and prompting expert investigations.

source:medium

About the news:

  • Damage: The landslide destroyed four houses, two power transmission towers, and two trucks; eight bodies recovered, with ongoing search operations.
  • NHAI Actions: NHAI was responsible for land acquisition and oversight of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project; local residents reported inadequate lane widening.
  • Expert Recommendations: Immediate and long-term measures suggested include proper slope stabilisation and comprehensive geotechnical investigation.

Causes of Shirur Landslide:

  • Unscientific Practices: The GSI report criticises NHAI’s unscientific methods in highway construction, especially slope modifications.
  • Heavy Rainfall: Intense rainfall (3,500-4,000 mm annually) and a significant three-day rain event were major contributing factors.
  • Construction Issues: The road construction on steep gradients and highly weathered rock led to disrupted drainage and instability.
About National Highway Authority of India (NHAI):

  • Establishment: Founded on June 15, 1989, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • Objectives: Develop, maintain, and manage National Highways; promote economic development and interstate connectivity.

Functions:

  • Develops and maintains National Highways.
  • Implements road safety and environmental measures.
  • Collects tolls and promotes Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
  • Conducts feasibility studies and land acquisition.

Key Projects:

  • NHDP: Upgrades and widens national highways; includes Golden Quadrilateral and North-South/East-West Corridors.
  • Bharatmala Pariyojana: Develops 65,000 km of highways, focusing on economic corridors and port connectivity.
  • Electronic Toll Collection (ETC): FASTag system for seamless toll collection.
  • Green Highways Policy: Promotes greening and eco-friendly construction practices.

What are Landslides?

  • Definition: Downward movement of rock, soil, and debris on slopes.
  • Scale: Ranges from minor shifts to large, destructive events.
  • Trigger Factors: Heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, human activities, groundwater level changes.
  • Occurrence: Can happen on natural or man-made slopes.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/resisting-landslides/