As extreme rain events put more pressure on hillsides, riverbanks and infrastructure, a grass native to India is emerging as an inexpensive tool for reducing the damage caused by floods, erosion and landslides.
Vetiver, or Chrysopogon zizanioides , has traditionally been associated with its aromatic roots, essential oil and herbal uses. But its unusually deep and dense root network is now attracting attention from disaster-management agencies, railways and environmental researchers. The latest experiment is underway in Maharashtra .
