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.
They 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 said the collapse of several retaining walls was due to poor design, which had failed to provide stability to the vulnerable slopes.
IIT Ropar Associate Professor Reet K Tiwari, who inspected the affected areas, said lack of proper drainage was the major reason behind 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 reservoir,” he said.
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Tiwari said they would be working on simulation models to recommend long-term measures and would submit a detailed report to the Ropar administration in this regard in three to four days.
Geotechnical expert Dr Naveen James, who was also part of the team, underlined the persistent high flow in the Satluj reservoir as another critical factor. He said 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 IIT experts said the government should make structural stability certifications mandatory for all buildings constructed near hill slopes and water bodies.
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