Himachal to plant vetiver grass to reduce landslides
Vetiver grass, known for its deep and dense root system that stabilizes soil and prevents erosion, will be introduced in landslide-prone areas in Himachal Pradesh.
The pilot project is being introduced in the state as part of bio-engineering solutions to reduce landslide risks that have claimed thousands of lives to date.
Informing about the initiative, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said a pilot project to cultivate Vetiver grass, known to prevent soil erosion, is being introduced in the state.
“Vetiver grass is widely used worldwide for soil conservation, particularly in landslide-prone areas, highway embankments and riverbanks,” he said.
Recognizing its potential, the HP State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has collaborated with the Vetiver Foundation–Climate Resilience & Sustainability Initiatives (CRSI), Tamil Nadu.
Now, a pilot project has been undertaken to develop sustainable mitigation strategies against landslides.
As part of the initiative, HPSDMA has requested CRSI to provide vetiver nurseries to ensure adequate availability of plants before the 2025 monsoon season.
The CRSI has supplied 1,000 vetiver grass saplings free of cost which are planted in a nursery established at Berti in Solan in collaboration with the Agriculture department.
The CM stated that SDMA is closely monitoring the pilot project to ensure its successful cultivation and supply. The initial results indicate a high survival rate of the plants, with visible signs of growth and adaptation to local conditions.
Vetiver grass, which can grow roots up to 3–4 meters deep, forms a strong network that binds the soil, reducing the risk of landslides. Acting as a natural barrier, it slows water runoff and prevents soil erosion, particularly on steep slopes.
When planted in rows, vetiver grass functions like a living wall, increasing shear strength and preventing slope failures. Additionally, its roots absorb excess water, reducing soil saturation, a key factor in landslide occurrences.
Unlike conventional engineered solutions, vetiver offers a low-cost, sustainable and low-maintenance method for slopes protection.
Sukhu said that the vulnerability of Himachal’s steep and geologically young slopes has increased in recent years due to various reasons.
These factors, coupled with heavy monsoon rains and seismic activity, make the region highly susceptible to landslides. Therefore, the government is committed to implementing scientific and bio-engineering measures to enhance disaster resilience and protect lives and infrastructure from the growing threat of landslides especially during the rainy season.
