The Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is planning introduce a cost-effective landslip detection system on the Gap Road stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway in Munnar to warn the authorities on landslips. NHAI Assistant Executive Engineer Rex Felix told The Hindu that the system was developed by the Indian Institute Of Technology-Mandi (IIT-Mandi), the Indian Army, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
“This is the cheapest solution for landslide monitoring. The Idukki district administration has given the green signal for the project and a proposal will be submitted to the NHAI soon,” said Mr. Felix.
“As part of the warning system, censors will be installed inside the rocks by grilling. Even a minor movement of rocks on the hill will activate the censors and the control room at the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) office will be alerted,” said the official. “Lights and warning sounds will be activated on the stretch. The traffic on the stretch can be stopped and the people in the area can be evacuated within minutes,” said Mr. Felix.
