Vetiver grass to be cultivated to mitigate landslides: Chief Minister
The Congress government will introduce bio-engineering solutions to curb the problem of the increasing frequency of landslides in the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said here today that a pilot project had been initiated to cultivate vetiver grass, known for its deep and dense root system that stabilises soil and prevents erosion.
He said, “Vetiver grass is widely used worldwide for soil conservation, particularly in landslide-prone areas, highway embankments and riverbanks. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), in collaboration with the Vetiver Foundation-Climate Resilience and Sustainability Initiatives (CRSI), Tamil Nadu, has undertaken a project to develop sustainable mitigation strategies against landslides.”
As part of the initiative, the HPSDMA had requested the CRSI to provide vetiver nurseries to ensure adequate availability of plants before the 2025 monsoon season. The CRSI has supplied 1,000 vetiver grass saplings free of cost and these saplings have been planted in a nursery established at Berti village in Solan district in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
The Chief Minister said that the HPSDMA was closely monitoring the pilot project to ensure the successful cultivation and supply of vetiver grass. The initial results indicated a high survival rate of the plants, with visible signs of growth and adaptation to local conditions, he added.
Vetiver grass, which can grow roots up to four metre deep, forms a strong network that binds the soil, reducing the risk of landslides. Acting as a natural barrier, it slows water runoff and prevents soil erosion, particularly on steep slopes.
When planted in rows, vetiver grass functions like a living wall, increasing shear strength and preventing slope failure. Additionally, its roots absorb excess water, reducing soil saturation, a key factor in landslide occurrences. Unlike conventional engineered solutions, vetiver offers a low-cost, sustainable and low-maintenance method for slopes protection.
Sukhu said that the vulnerability of steep and geologically young slopes has increased in recent years due to various reasons. “These factors, coupled with heavy monsoon rains and seismic activity, make the region highly susceptible to landslides. Therefore, the state government is committed to implementing scientific and bio-engineering measures to enhance disaster resilience and protect lives and infrastructure from the growing threat of landslides, especially during the rainy season,” he added.
Used worldwide for soil conservation
- Vetiver grass is used worldwide for soil conservation, particularly in landslide-prone areas, highway embankments and riverbanks
- When planted in rows, vetiver grass functions like a living wall, increasing shear strength and preventing slope failure
- Its roots absorb excess water, reducing soil saturation, a key factor in landslide occurrences
