Photo source internet
Shimla, Feb 13,
The Himachal Pradesh government has launched a bio-engineering initiative to combat the rising threat of landslides in the state. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced today that a pilot project using Vetiver grass, known for its deep-rooted system that stabilizes soil and prevents erosion, has been initiated.
Vetiver grass is widely recognized for its effectiveness in soil conservation, particularly in landslide-prone areas, highway embankments, and riverbanks. To implement this strategy, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), in collaboration with the Vetiver Foundation–Climate Resilience & Sustainability Initiatives (CRSI), Tamil Nadu, has started cultivating the plant to develop long-term mitigation strategies.
As part of this initiative, HPSDMA has secured 1,000 Vetiver grass saplings from CRSI free of cost. These saplings have been planted in a nursery at Berti in District Solan in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to ensure their availability before the 2025 monsoon season. The Chief Minister stated that HPSDMA is closely monitoring the project, and initial results indicate a high survival rate of the plants with promising growth and adaptation to local conditions.
Vetiver grass has a unique root system that can grow up to 3–4 meters deep, forming a natural barrier that binds soil, prevents erosion, and slows water runoff. When planted in rows, it acts like a living wall, enhancing slope stability and reducing the risk of landslides. Additionally, its roots absorb excess water, lowering soil saturation, which is a key factor in landslide occurrences. Unlike conventional engineering solutions, Vetiver provides a cost-effective, sustainable, and low-maintenance alternative for slope protection.
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that Himachal Pradesh’s steep and geologically young slopes have become increasingly vulnerable to landslides due to heavy monsoon rains, seismic activity, and other environmental factors. Recognizing these risks, the state government is committed to implementing scientific and bio-engineering methods to enhance disaster resilience and protect both lives and infrastructure, particularly during the rainy season.
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