MONSOON HAVOCS IN KERALA

MONSOON HAVOCS IN KERALA Unlike the previous years kerala has very heavy rainfall during this monsoon. Heavy damages to life and property are caused due to landslides. The recent one at Adimali is one of the worst such slope failures in the eastern region of Kerala. The roads while they are formed on the hill slopes are not given proper technical attention at the time of design of the roads on hill slopes. Detailed studies of the area, type of soil in the hill slopes and the natural streams and faulting of rocks etc , are to be ascertained by expert engineers and the slope protection done accordingly. The natural slope for cutting surface must be given after confirming the “Angle of repose” of the soil in that particular area. The slope may be 1:1 or even flatter to avoid slippage of the top soil due to earth pressure during monsoon. More over catch water drains & berms of adequate width must be provided on the hill slopes to avoid sliding of the earth on the road. Similar action to be taken on the down side of the road with retaining walls of adequate depth & parapet wall and cross drainage. The engineers are responsible to maintain such technical provisions during construction and scheduled maintenance of roads on hill slopes before and after monsoon season. Pre monsoon precautionary measures in the maintenance of roads in hilly areas in cuttings are neglected by the engineers. These engineers from top level to bottom must inspect the condition of the roads through the forests and preventive actions taken in time to prevent disaster. Pre monsoon activities like cleaning of surface drains/ catch water drains repairs to breast walls and retaining walls etc are to be done at top priority by the engineers concerned. Unless and otherwise the departmental engineers wake up in time with earnest action in Protecting the roads in hill slopes, we will have more of such calamities in future also. The natural flow of the subsoil water should in no way obstructed. If the natural cleavages are blocked the flow will get obstructed causing landslides. In this connection I had earlier written in my face book about “ Urulpottal”. The politicians who have taken oath to serve the nation with absolute commitment should observe things around when they travel on these roads in hill slopes. We cannot shake off our responsibilities and name all these calamities as “Natural Calamities”. No they are all “ Man made” calamities for which all of us are responsible for the loss of human lives of the innocent people who depend on our Technical knowledge in public service in safe guarding their safety. So let us be ALERT! Abraham Philip