Soil Nailing and Hydroseeding for Landslide Prevention

• 18 May 2024

Source: TH

In a proactive move to address the persistent problem of landslides in the ecologically sensitive Nilgiris region, the State highways department is implementing a sustainable 'green' solution using the soil nailing and hydroseeding technique.

• Soil nailing is a geotechnical engineering technique that involves the insertion of reinforcing elements into the soil to strengthen it and prevent soil erosion.
• Following the soil nailing process, the 'hydroseeding' method will be applied, which involves the application of a mixture of seeds, fertiliser, organic materials, and water onto the soil to facilitate the growth of grass and plant-life.
  • Around five species of grasses, including a few local species native to India, will be grown along the slopes.
  • The highways department will be responsible for the maintenance of the grasses once the hydroseeding is completed.
• This 'green' solution of preventing landslides through soil nailing and hydroseeding will help mitigate the impact of linear infrastructure, such as roads, in the ecologically sensitive Nilgiris region.

Read more: Building Resilience Against Landslides