In many smaller hill towns and vulnerable hillside zones particularly in high landslide-or seismic-risk areas, development demands a rigorous blend of engineering innovation and regulatory oversight.
Projects here must navigate geotechnical challenges, meet environmental impact assessment (EIA) standards, and incorporate hazard?aware design to safeguard both people and ecosystems.
For instance, the Wayanad twin tunnel road in Kerala designed through known landslide prone terrain sparked backlash when environmental experts argued it was misclassified at the state level (Category B), bypassing central expert appraisal despite proximity to eco sensitive areas. Even after central clearance, over 60 strict conditions were imposed, including vibration monitoring, slope sensors, regulated blasting, and groundwater management.
Similarly, the Shimla-Shoghi four lane highway in Himachal Pradesh faced sharp criticism for aggressive hill cutting causing property damage and landslide risk. The chief minister insisted on eco-friendly designs like tunnels and involvement of local contractors familiar with fragile terrain.
Recent controversies underscore procedural risks
Construction in hazardous hill zones often intersects human settlements. In the Shimla project, residents faced rental displacement and structural damage. Authorities responded with rental assistance and a relief package while urging safer alignment via tunnels. Emphasis was placed on engaging local contractors for sustainable outcomes.
Local approvals may be overridden or re classified if procedural norms are violated, as seen in Wayanad where the project was re escalated to central review when state authority’s term expired. Environmentalists raised concerns over impartiality, particularly when EIA studies are conducted by government linked agencies.
Building as per regulations
The clearance authorities include SEIAA (State) or central expert appraisal committees depending on project categorization and eco sensitivity. They enforce mandatory conditions and supervise compliance.
Approved projects in fragile zones must embed risk mitigation in all phases from planning to operation. Measures include geotechnical hazard mapping, controlled excavation and slope monitoring, retaining structures, sediment traps, and re vegetation of disturbed areas.
Road, tunnel, or township projects exceeding defined thresholds especially within or near eco?sensitive zones that require prior environmental clearance (EC) under India's EIA Notification 2006 and amendments.
Some project sites near protected forests, wildlife corridors, or groundwater recharge areas also require forest clearance, CRZ or wildlife permissions, NOCs from groundwater authorities, ASI, and pollution control boards.
Public consultation and transparent impact assessment are integral: local residents and environmental groups must have access to EIA summaries and participate in hearings.
Building with engineering precision
As per experts, implementing vibration and landslide sensors along steep segments helps detect and respond to instability in real time. Clearing groundwater seepage and monitoring settlement also support long term structural safety.
Construction in areas with slopes steeper than around 30° or in known landslide?hazard zones is heavily constrained by engineering protocols. Such terrain is often deemed unsuitable unless accompanied by specialized slope stabilization, drainage controls, and erosion mitigation measures.
In natural hazard areas, building codes mandate involvement of designated professionals. Structural Engineers on Record (SER), Geotechnical Engineers on Record (GER), and third?party quality auditors to ensure foundations, grading, and structural design adhere to national norms such as the National Building Code and Model Building Bye?Laws of India.
For hillside construction, designs often employ terracing, stepped foundations, retaining walls, and bio-engineering (e.g. vegetated slopes) to minimize scarring and enhance slope integrity.
Protecting the Hills
Construction in high-risk hillside zones demands more than just robust engineering: it requires interdisciplinary collaboration, strict adherence to environmental and zoning norms, and sensitive design to preserve ecology and communities.
When executed responsibly with transparent assessments, real-time risk monitoring, and local stakeholder involvement such development can respect both terrain fragility and human well-being.
