Landslide Zones Successfully Treated in Uttarakhand | 10 Dec 2024

According to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the rock bolt technology is successfully treating active landslide zones in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.

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.

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.”