Case Study of College Veng Road Section Landslide, Aizawl, Mizoram, India

Abstract

Landslide is a very common feature along highways, roads and inhabited areas, in and around Mizoram. It is one of the most problematic hazards in the region. The present case of landslide, is in the ‘College Veng’ road section. It lies in the south eastern parts of the Aizawl town. This section is situated along the Sikulpuikawn-Bethlehem Veng road. The Coordinates of the “College Veng” slide are between 23°43՛28.56՛՛/92°43՛28.28՛՛ to 23°43՛28.56՛՛/92°43՛28.34՛՛. The slide took place on 17th September, 2017, at mid night. The section had a relatively high amount of dip (48°-50°), and has a lithology comprising of Shale and Sandstone intercalation. The total length of the slide section along the road was 75 feet, with a height of 25 feet. After the critical observation of the incidence, the major aggravating factors were found to be that the heavy rainfall induced the top most shale bed to move down the dip slope. Improper sewage and subsequent mud erosion at the bottom of the shale layer, further accelerated the down slope movement of the slided block.