3 Timeline of landslides

Landslides incidences in Himachal during past years:

13 and 14 August, 2018

Heavy rainfall triggered the initiation of new landslides and reactivated

existing ones along NH-22 in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh blocking and
disrupting the traffic along NH22.

Some of the field descrption:-

Name of the slide: NH-22/ RD: 87+480

NH/SH/Locality : NH-22/ RD: 87+480/3km away from Kumarhatti to Chandigarh on Shimla-

Chandigarh Road.

State : Name: Himachal Pradesh,District : Solan

Geo-scientific Causes : Anthropogenic activities; unplanned cutting of slope, rainfall.

Photo/Sketch of Plan & section of the slide

Summary/Abstract : Slide is a shallow translational slide and is active state Rock mass is
jointed. Three main discontinuities are J1(Bedding Plane):30 0 /N2500, J2:40-50 0 /N1350 ,
J3: 45- 500 /N1350 .Lithologically the slide comprises thickly bedded, alternate mudstone
and sandstone bands of Dagshai Formation.

2 CHAKIMORH SLIDE

Date: 14/08/2018

Place: Dhrampur, Solan, H.P.

State:Himachal Pradesh,District :Solan

Name of the slide NH-22/ RD: 71+300 to 71+420

NH/SH/Locality : NH-22/ RD: 71+300 to 71+420/ChakkiMorh

Geo-scientific Causes : Anthropogenic activities; unplanned cutting of slope, rainfall,

reduction of strength on saturation.

Photo/Sketch of Plan & section of the slide

Remarks : Detailed studies are required to provide suitable remedial measures for
stabilization of slope.

Summary/Abstract : ChakiMorh slide is a shallow rotational slide and is reactivated on 13-

08-2018. Road blocked on the morning of 13/08/2018 at 6 am and opened up/cleared on
the evening of 14/08/2018 at 3PM.

3 DATTYAR VILLAGE SLIDE

Date: 14/08/2018

Place: Dhrampur, Solan, H.P.

State :Himachal Pradesh

District: Solan

Name of the slide NH-22/ RD: 70+750 to 70+950

NH/SH/Locality : NH-22/ RD: 70+750 to 70+950/Dattyar Village

Geo-scientific Causes : Wedge failure, Reduction of strength on saturation, unplanned

cutting of slope.

Photo/Sketch of Plan & section of the slide:

Summary/Abstract: Dattyar Village Slide at RD of 70+750 to 70+950 along NH22 is a rock-
cum-debris Shallow rotational and shallow planar slide that got activated in the month of
June 2018 during road cutting and reactivated one week before the date of observation.
Lithologically slide area comprise sandstone bands of Kasuali Formation of Sirmour Group of
Rocks. Three sets of joints recorded in the slide area are J1 (V.D.):400 -60º/N1700 , J2: 450 -
750 /N2600 , J3:50º/N50º. Breast wall is damaged. The slide has resulted due to unplanned
cutting of slope, making slope unstable and after heavy downpour the strength of the rock
mass reduced due to super saturation.

2nd September, 2017

1.DHALLI LANDSLIDE

Landslide incidence of 02nd September 2017 on NH-5 near Dhalli area, Shimla district,
Himachal Pradesh.On 2 nd September, 2017, a massive landslide (rock slide) took place on
National Highway-5, near Dhalli area, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh.

Heavy monsoon rainfall triggered a massive rock slide (reactivated) on NH-5 near
Dhalli area, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh on 2nd September, 2017 which
resulted complete damage of few parked vehicles, blockage and damage of National
Highway and partial damage of a temple building. No casualties were reported due
to the slide.

Name of the slide:Dhalli landslide.

NH/SH/Locality NH-5, near Dhalli.

State Himachal Pradesh,District Shimla.

Geo-scientific Causes: The cause of the rock slide is due to the presence of closely jointed
weathered & distressed shale exposed on steep spur and road cut was made and left
without any toe support. The presence of high relief, dripping scarp slope, proximity to nala
have added to the vulnerability of the slope. The open joints form a wedge (J2 & J3).

Photo/Sketch of Plan & section of the slide

Remedial measures: Scaling of loose rock mass on the slope, deep anchorage of rock mass
with wire mesh shotcrete and adequate toe support.

Remarks: The slide is active and the settlements situated in the downslope are at risk and
the dwellers should stay away till the remedial measures are applied. Local inhabitants and
the appropriate authorities should be cautioned (also cautioned at the site). The geological
consultation is necessary before any slope cut and for any further development of
settlements. The area has already been classified under high landslide susceptibility zone,
including the slide (Unpub. GSI report FS 2005-06).
Summary/Abstract : Heavy monsoon rainfall triggered a massive rock slide (reactivated) on
NH-5 near Dhalli area, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh on 2nd September, 2017 which
resulted complete damage of few parked vehicles, blockage and damage of National
Highway and partial damage of a temple building. No casualties were reported due to the
slide.

2. KOTRUPI LANDSLIDE

On 13th August 2017, a massive landslide took place at Kotrupi on National Highway-154,
Padhar Tehsil, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh.

Some of the field description:

Name of the slide Kotrupi Landslide

NH/SH/Locality: Near Padhar (towards Joginder Nagar); Mandi - Joginder Nagar - Pathankot
NH - 154, Tehsil Padhar, Dist. Mandi.

State Himachal Pradesh , District Mandi

Geo-scientific Causes :Prima facie it appears that the slide has occurred due to few or
combination of following geo-scientific causes: Sheared/ Thrusted rock mass; Old slide
debris; Poorly drained slope – Possibly no surface drainage system was there: Ingress of
water and development of tension cracks that got widened to about >1ft as per the
villagers; Perennial ingress of rain water and surface water in the cracks – its accumulation
and development of pore water pressure inside the old slide debris. It must be noted
however, that as per the local residents, the driver of Manali - Katra HRTC Bus has noted
some movement of slope material in the slide affected slope and stopped the bus for
sometime and could escape just after the debris flow started. Detailed field studies is
required to ascertain the cause.

Photos/Sketch of Plan & section of the slide:

Temporary remedial measures taken: 1. Clearing off the debris that are accumulated here
and there within slide complex; 2) Debris that are accumulated above the lower portion of
‘ridge line’ needs to be cleared off as there are few hutments of Badond village; Similarly
protection measures to be given to the remaining hutments of Kotropi Village on valley side,
just next to road; 3) Channelising the water of nalas that are coming from upslope including
re-construction of bridge over the nala along road alignment area; 4) Surface drainage
management within and adjoining slide complex as well as along road alignment; 5)
Protecting upslope areas with species/ grass whose roots can help to bind up the soil in the
crown area and drainage in the crown area. Permanent remedial measures can be
suggested after detailed studies of the slide which is required.

Remarks: 1. The tragic slide of 13/08/17 early hours is a 3rd reactivation incidence of Debris
flow – the site has witnessed similar incidences in the past (Details given above); 2) Till the
evening of 13/08/2017, administration was engaged in arranging for clearing the slope
debris, searching for the passengers and buses and other vehicles (if any) that got trapped
below the debris: Till about 17.00 hrs, hardly 6 bodies of Manali - Katra Bus were recovered,
while not even a single body of passengers of Chamba-Manali HRTC Bus, including bus body
was recovered; 3) There is possibility of re-occurrence of slope failure from upper reaches of
the crown area of the main slide complex as well as the debris that are already accumulated
on hill and valley side: Body search and debris clearing operation was underway till 17.00
hrs of 13/08/2017; 4) The slide has got wider publicity due to continuous media coverage: It
appears that the coverage is based on primary non-scientific observations emphasizing upon
the fact that the slide has occurred first time at this site. However, based on remote sensing
studies (using Google Earth imageries of the affected site and its adjoining geo-
envioronment), the old/ palaeo slide scars are already visible and as per NLSM Report of
GSI (NR: SOI T/S No. 53A/13: F.S. 2015-16).

Landslide Incidences for the year 2015

1. Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh – 7 December 2015

A rock fall occurred along national highway NH- 21 (N31o41’39”.019/ E 77°09’00”) near
Dwada village district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh on 7/12/2015 at about 0830 hrs. The
location where the incident occurred has been demarcated as Rock fall zone with a caution
sign board by the local authorities. The slope is a rocky escarpment exposing numerous
potential unstable rockmass. The rock fall initiated on 5/12/2015 by minor movement in
upslope and gradually triggered on 7/12/2015 by development of open cracks with crashing
sound, emission of dust along with shooting stones as observed by the locals. The rock fall
zone is still active and reactivated on 8/12/2015 early hours around 0130am (local police
source) and on 9/2/2015. GSI has carried out the preliminary investigation of the landslide
on 8/12/2015 and prepared detailed inventory.

2. Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh – 18 August 2015

A major landslide was reported at the famous Sikh shrine Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib in
Himachal Pradesh. According to reports, at least ten people have died after boulders fell on
the Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib building due to the landslide.

3. Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh – 25 July 2015

As per media report, incessant rains have caused massive landslides on National Highways
21 and 22 in Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi and Kullu districts, hampering vehicular traffic.

Landslide Incidences For the Year 2014

1. Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh – 15 October 2014

As per media report, two people were killed in a mining landslide in Himachal Pradesh's
Solan district.

2.Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh – 26 August 2014

As per media report, two members of a family were killed and three others injured when
boulders fell on their houses in village near Bhavanagar, Himachal Pradesh`s Kinnaur district.
The rock fall was triggered due to rainfall.

Landslide Incidences for the year 2011

Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh – 26th February – 5th March 2011 The incessant
snowfall and rain in Kullu District resulted in landslides and blockage of Kullu-Manali road
and Chandigarh- Manali highway. It also caused collapse of terraced fields and a four storey
building and uprooting of apple trees; the foundation wall of Shiva Temple in Bran village
was also damaged.

Landslide Incidences for the year 2010

1.Landslide Incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 9th June, 2010

As per media report landslides on 9th June 2010 triggered by torrential rains were reported
from several parts of the Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, resulting in road blocks. Shimla
recorded 61.8 mm rainfall.

2. Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh 14th February, 2010

As per media report (PTI) six persons were killed and 14 others injured in a landslide on the
bank of river Satluj at Kachsthal village of Kinnaur district, 50 kms from Recong Peo,
Himachal Pradesh on the morning of 14th of February, 2010. The mishap occurred near
Karcham Wangto hydroelectricity project being carried by Jaypee group.

3.Lanslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh on 8-9 February, 2010

As per media report Himachal Pradesh’s resort town Manali remained cut off from the rest
of the country on 8th and 9th February 2010 due to massive landslides near Kalath on the
Manali-Kullu highway (on NH-22) triggered by snow. Both the road stretches from Kullu -
one from the Naggar side and the second the main national highway - have been blocked at
various points. It started snowing in Manali around midnight after intermittent rain on 7th
morning. So far, Manali and nearby areas have received more than three feet of snow.
4.Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh- 22nd October 2010

As per the media, landslides have been reported near Rohtang Pass on the evening of 22nd
October, 2010. A tourist from West Bengal, Debjani Chowdhury (51) from Hooghly collapsed
and died because of cold while her husband helplessly looked on. Around 200 tourists from
Bengal were trapped, according to an official.On Saturday, rescuers evacuated roughly 500
tourists, who had been stranded for more than 30 hours at the treacherous Rohtang Pass
and along the higher reaches of the Leh - Manali road.More than 2,500 tourists were
stranded at 12,500 feet after sudden snowfall closed the crucial Pass on 22-10-2010.
Officials said the rescued tourists were safe and had recovered after first aid.Kolkata-
resident Pernita Mukherjee, rescued on Saturday, said she was stranded along with a 17-
member tourist group from West Bengal.

5.Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 4th August 2010

As per media report landslides triggered by incessant rains on 4th August 2010 at Baralacha
La and Rahni Nallah in Himachal Pradesh have blocked the Manali – Leh highway. Landslides
have obstructed several stretches of the highway, leaving thousands of passengers
stranded.

6.Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 31st July 2010

As per media report a massive landslide triggered by rains on on NH-22 near Taradevi, 12
km from Shimla, disrupted traffic on the highway

Landslide incidences in Himachal Pradesh - 25th July, 2010

As per media report a number of houses collapsed in the landslides on 25th July, 2010 in
Kanlog area in Shimla which was lashed by 72.3 mm overnight rains. Two labourers lost their
lives and three people were injured in the landslide as the boulders and debris fell on their
hut. As per another 7 | C o m p i l e d b y G S I media report the Chamba – Holi Road was
blocked due to landslide at Kuther Nala on 25th July, 2010. Landslides have also blocked
roads in Dharamsala, Solan and Nahan.

7.Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 11th July 2010

As per media report to a massive landslide near the Rani nullah on 11th July, 2010 has led to
indefinite closure for traffic, of 13,050-ft high Rohtang Pass, by the Border Roads
Organisation (BRO). The traffic to Manali-Keylong and Leh and Pangi, Kaza and Spiti have
come to a standstill.

8. Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 6th July 2010

As per media report incessant rains have caused landslide at Choling on 6th July 2010
disrupting traffic between Rampur and Reckong Peo. The incessant rains have also caused
massive landslides in upper Shimla, hampering vehicular traffic. The National Highway 22
was also closed at various points in Kinnaur district due to landslides. Most major roads in
Kinnaur have been closed for traffic. The highway at Wangtoo and Malling are the worst
affected. The road connectivity between Kinnaur and Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti district has
been hampered

Landslide Incidences for the Year 2009

1.Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 16th November 2009

As per media report continuous rainfall during the last two days have triggered number of
landslides on the Chamba-Jot road, Himachal Pradesh on 16th November 2009. The road
was closed for traffic for about four hours.

2. Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 22nd September 2009

As per media report nearly 150 tourists were stranded for a week in Himachal Pradesh's
Spiti Valley since 10th September due to snowfall and landslides. The tourists wre stranded
at Kaza town in Lahaul and Spiti district after the snows and landslips caused closure of the
roads linking Kaza to Manali and Shimla towns.

3.Landslide incidence in Himachal Pradesh - 9-10th September 2009

As per media (PTI) report the Chandigarh-Manali highway has been closed at various places
between Bilaspur and Mandi towns since the night of 9th September 2009, due to landslides
triggered by uninterrupted rain in the region for the preceding two days. As per media
report of 10th September the Hindustan Tibet Road was disrupted at four different points
due to landslides as heavy boulders slid down on it in three different places between
Rekong-peo and Korick. The traffic to Rampur was being diverted via Basantpur and Kingal.
As per the same report the tribal Kinnaur district was cut off by road due to road blockades
at Jhakri, Pooh, Malling Nallah and scores of vehicles were stranded at various places In
Shimla district, the state highway Theog-Rohru was closed near Chhaila as big landslides
disrupted vehicular traffic. The entire district has received heavy rainfall since the last 24
hours.

4. Rock fall in Himachal Pradesh - 16th August 2009

As per media report rock fall during continuous rain on a bus carrying pilgrims returning
from Manimahesh has led to the death of one person and has seriously injured seven
others. The incident occurred on 16th August 2009 near Dunali on the road from Bharmor
to Dharmashala, near Chamba.

5. Landslide incidences in Himachal Pradesh, 7th August 2009

As per media report (7th August 2009) a massive landslide killed two persons in Himachal
Pradesh. The two were buried alive in the landside at Kumarda on the Mandi-Dharampur
highway that remained closed for traffic till late evening of 7th August. The landslide
destroyed three houses, three cowsheds, and washed away 10 animals and a private bus.

6.Landslide incidence Himachal Pradesh

As per media report (Times of India) of 2nd August, 2009 a landslide has occurred at Rangrik
village in Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. The event was accompanied by gushing out
of water and sounds akin to an explosion.