Nangal: Poor drainage key factor behind landslips near dam, say experts

A team of civil engineering experts from IIT-Ropar visited landslide-prone areas around Nangal town to assess the growing threat to habitations in Bhabhor village, Laxmi Narayan Temple and several other structures located along the Nangal Dam reservoir.

The experts identified poor drainage systems, high water flow in the reservoir during monsoon and faulty building designs as the primary reasons behind recurring landslides in the region.

They also highlighted the collapse of several retaining walls, which they said were poorly designed and had failed to provide stability to the vulnerable slopes.

Associate Prof Reet K Tiwari from IIT-Ropar’s Civil Engineering Department, who inspected the affected areas, told The Tribune that the absence of proper drainage was the biggest contributor to the landslides. “At most hill edges where damaged houses are located, there is no drainage system. Wastewater from septic tanks and buildings flows directly into the supporting slopes. This, combined with heavy monsoon rain, increases the soil mass and triggers landslides, endangering habitations along the lake,” he said.

Tiwari said that soil samples had been collected for geotechnical testing. Preliminary findings suggest that constructing retaining walls in stepped benches on solid foundations along the Nangal Dam Lake may help stabilise the slopes. “We shall be working on simulation models to recommend long-term measures. A detailed report will be submitted to the Ropar district administration within three to four days,” he added.

Geotechnical expert Dr Naveen James, who was also part of the team, underlined the persistent high flow in the Sutlej reservoir as another critical factor. He stressed that every new construction along riverbanks or sloped terrain must be preceded by technical surveys to assess structural safety. “Regular inspections of existing structures are equally important to prevent future risks,” he said.

The experts further recommended that the Punjab Government make structural stability certifications mandatory for all buildings constructed near hill slopes and water bodies to ensure safety in such sensitive zones.

The visit by the IIT team followed a request from BJP state vice-president Subhash Sharma, who recently toured Bhabhor village.