Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada District Collector, Mullai Mugilan, has issued a directive for a comprehensive inspection of potential landslide areas across the district. The inspection will be conducted by teams of earth scientists and engineers from August 16 to 21. These teams are charged with assessing vulnerable locations and developing an action plan to implement preventive measures.
In line with guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) based in Delhi, a committee meeting was convened at the DC’s office. During this meeting, it was decided that an action plan for landslide prevention would be prepared. The committee included officers and members from various departments, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing the issue.
Several departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), the Public Works and Rural Engineering Department (PRED), the National Highways Department, the National Highways Authority, Urban Local Bodies, and Rural Local Bodies, have been instructed to upload geo-tagged photographs and information. This includes details of roadsides where hills have been cut, as well as data on local housing and population. The deadline for this submission is August 15.
Discussions with scientists from the Geological Survey of India and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bangalore, have focused on understanding the technical aspects of identifying potential landslide areas in Dakshina Kannada. The Geological Survey of India has highlighted 28 potential landslide zones on a 1:50,000 scale map. It has been decided that more detailed studies will be conducted using a 1:10,000 or 1:1,000 scale map to provide precise technical recommendations.
The NIRM director has suggested both immediate and long-term measures to address current landslide risks. Additionally, plans are underway to develop construction guidelines aimed at preventing landslides during building projects. These guidelines will be prepared by G.P., the Urban Planning Joint Director, the Muda Commissioner, and Credai members.
In conjunction with landslide prevention efforts, Executive Engineers from various departments have been instructed by the Collector to evaluate the sustainability of all bridges within the district. This assessment will ensure that existing infrastructure can withstand potential landslide impacts.