Uttarakhand
Landslide Zones Successfully Treated in Uttarakhand
- 10 Dec 2024
- 3 min read
Why in News?
According to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the rock bolt technology is successfully treating active landslide zones in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.
Key Points
- Landslide Challenges in Uttarakhand:
- Landslides occur regularly in the hill areas, especially during the monsoon season, causing roadblocks and inconveniences for Chardham pilgrims.
- These landslides often result in loss of lives and have long been a major concern.
- Persistent landslide zones on the Gangotri and Yamunotri highways have posed significant risks for years.
- Adoption of Australian Rock Bolt Technology:
- The BRO is using Australian rock bolt technology to treat active landslide zones at Raturisera and Bandarkot on the Gangotri highway in Uttarkashi district.
- Previously, the technology was successfully applied at Nalupani and Chungi Badethi landslide zones.
- The technology has been instrumental in treating landslide zones active for years as part of the Chardham road-widening project.
- Effectiveness and Techniques:
- The technology has been 90% effective in preventing landslides.
- It involves soil nailing to stabilize loose soil and rock bolting in bedrock to strengthen vulnerable areas.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
- Established in 1960 with only two projects, Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the East and Project Beacon in North India, the BRO has grown to become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 States and three Union Territories.
- It is now recognised as the leading infrastructure construction agency in high-altitude and difficult snow-bound areas.
- In 2023-24, the BRO completed 125 infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road.
- The BRO will soon start construction on the 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel, which will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft once completed, bypassing China's Mila Tunnel at 15,590 ft.
- The BRO is an Indian executive force under the Ministry of Defence, to secure India's borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-eastern states.
- It operates under the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) and is responsible for road networks in border areas and neighbouring countries.
- The motto of BRO is “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam”, which translates to “Everything is achievable through hard work.”
