AI Generated Summary
- A team of civil engineering experts from IIT Ropar conducted an extensive survey of landslide-prone areas around Nangal town on Sunday, raising concerns over the growing risk to habitations, religious sites, and infrastructure along the banks of the Nangal Dam Lake.
- The experts attributed recurring landslides to inadequate drainage systems, heavy monsoon inflows in the Sutlej reservoir, and poorly designed retaining walls that have already collapsed in several locations.
- The team is preparing simulation models and will submit a detailed technical report to the Ropar district administration within the next few days.
A team of civil engineering experts from IIT Ropar conducted an extensive survey of landslide-prone areas around Nangal town on Sunday, raising concerns over the growing risk to habitations, religious sites, and infrastructure along the banks of the Nangal Dam Lake.
The inspection focused on Bhabhor village, the Laxmi Narayan Temple, and several vulnerable structures in the vicinity. The experts attributed recurring landslides to inadequate drainage systems, heavy monsoon inflows in the Sutlej reservoir, and poorly designed retaining walls that have already collapsed in several locations.
“Most houses near the hill edges lack proper drainage. Wastewater from septic tanks and buildings seeps directly into slopes, making the soil unstable when combined with monsoon rains,” explained Associate Professor Reet K. Tiwari of IIT Ropar’s Civil Engineering Department. He added that soil samples had been collected for geotechnical testing, with early findings suggesting that retaining walls built in stepped benches on solid foundations could help stabilize the terrain.
The team is preparing simulation models and will submit a detailed technical report to the Ropar district administration within the next few days.
Dr. Naveen James, a geotechnical expert accompanying the inspection, emphasized that the sustained high water flow in the Sutlej reservoir was aggravating slope vulnerability. “Every new construction near riverbanks or sloping terrain should be preceded by technical surveys, while existing structures require regular inspections to ensure safety,” he said.
The IIT experts have also recommended that the Punjab government make structural stability certifications mandatory for all future buildings near hill slopes and water bodies.
The visit followed an appeal by BJP state president Subhash Sharma, who had recently toured Bhabhor village and urged IIT Ropar to carry out a detailed study. Sharma has promised to seek assistance from the central government and the Bhakra Beas Management Board once the report is finalized.
Residents, many of whom have already seen homes and infrastructure damaged by landslides, expressed hope that the findings will prompt concrete action to protect their communities. With the monsoon season continuing to pose risks, experts believe that the coming weeks will be decisive in determining long-term safety along the Nangal Dam Lake.
