Analyzing the effects of eco-DRR practices on slope stability in a landslide-prone transport corridor in the Western Ghats, India

Arathy Krishnan; Rajaneesh A.; Krishnapriya V.K.; Sajinkumar K.S.

doi:10.64866/j.ijdscr.2025.10004

Authors

Arathy Krishnan Sarabhai Institute of Science and Technology and John Cox Memorial CSI Institute of Technology Author
Rajaneesh A. Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0732-5046
Krishnapriya V.K. Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0840-9468
Sajinkumar K.S. Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64866/j.ijdscr.2025.10004

Keywords:

Landslides, Western Ghats, Slope stability, Slope protection, eco-DRR, TRIGRS

Abstract

Landslides pose a significant threat to infrastructure and human life, especially in mountainous roads that have poorly protected slopes. This study focuses on the Kallar-Ponmudi road corridor in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, which is susceptible to rainfall-induced shallow landslides. To assess slope stability, we used the Transient Rainfall Infiltration and Grid-Based Regional Slope-Stability (TRIGRS) model, a physics-based, GIS-integrated FORTRAN program that simulates the timing and distribution of shallow landslides triggered by rainfall. Using this model, high susceptibility regions were selected to evaluate the effectiveness of different ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (eco-DRR) measures in stabilizing the slopes. Initially, geotechnical parameters were derived from soil samples collected from these selected unstable slopes and used in the laboratory to recreate (simulate) real-field conditions. Five different slope conditions were tested under artificial rainfall: natural (unprotected), jute mesh, synthetic mesh, shallow-rooted grass, and deep-rooted vegetation. Jute mesh is selected for its affordability, biodegradability, and excellent soil contact, which supports vegetation growth and regulates surface erosion whereas synthetic mesh is included for its durability, adaptability, and effectiveness in reinforcing soil and improving drainage. Vegetative solutions using shallow- and deep-rooted species are considered due to their ability to strengthen soil through root reinforcement. Additionally, shallow roots reduce surface erosion whereas deep roots facilitate improved shear strength and subsurface stability, while also being readily available and low-cost. The results show that vegetative measures, particularly deep-rooted plants like vetiver grass, significantly enhanced slope stability compared to other reinforcements. Thus, this study highlights the importance of site-specific ecological interventions in improving road resilience in landslide-prone terrains, giving much impetus to eco-DRR measures.

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Author Biographies

Arathy Krishnan, Sarabhai Institute of Science and Technology and John Cox Memorial CSI Institute of Technology

Department of Civil Engineering, Sarabhai Institute of Science and Technology, Vellanad, Thiruvananthapuram 695543, Kerala, India

Department of Civil Engineering, John Cox Memorial CSI Institute of Technology, Thiruvananthapuram 695011, Kerala, India
Rajaneesh A., Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India

Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
Krishnapriya V.K., Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India

Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India
Sajinkumar K.S., Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India

Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala, India

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