Nangal: Experts say poor drainage is the main reason behind landslides near the dam

Punjab: A team of civil engineering experts from IIT-Ropar visited landslide-prone areas around Nangal town to assess the increasing threat to settlements in Bhabhor village, Laxmi Narayan Mandir and several other structures located along the Nangal dam reservoir. The experts identified poor drainage system, high flow of water into the reservoir during monsoon and faulty building design as the main reasons for frequent landslides in the area. They also highlighted the collapse of several retaining walls, which they said were poorly designed and failed to provide stability to vulnerable slopes. Associate Professor Reet K Tiwari of the Civil Engineering Department of IIT-Ropar, who inspected the affected areas, told The Tribune that lack of proper drainage was the biggest reason for the landslides. He said, “Most of the hill sides where the damaged houses are located have no drainage system. Wastewater from septic tanks and buildings flows directly into the subsidiary slopes. This, combined with heavy monsoon rains, increases the soil mass and promotes landslides, threatening the settlements located along the lake.” Tiwari said soil samples have been collected for geotechnical testing. Initial findings suggest that building retaining walls in stepped benches on concrete foundations along the Nangal Dam lake could help stabilise the slopes. He further said, “We are working on simulation models to recommend long-term measures. A detailed report will be submitted to the Ropar district administration within three to four days.” Geotechnical expert Dr Naveen James, who was also part of the team, cited the consistently high inflow into the Sutlej reservoir as another important factor. He stressed that technical surveys should be conducted to assess structural safety before every new construction along the river or in sloping areas. “Regular inspection of existing structures is equally important to prevent future risks,” he said. The experts further recommended that the Punjab government make structural stability certificates mandatory for all buildings constructed on hill slopes and near water bodies to ensure safety in such vulnerable areas. The visit of the IIT team came following a request from BJP state vice-president Subhash Sharma, who had recently visited Bhabhor village.