The National Highways has planted grass along Ooty-Coonoor Road on a trial basis to prevent landslips along the stretch.
Ooty-Coonoor Road, which is being widened to improve the flow of traffic into the Nilgiris, raised concerns among environmentalists and the district administration that the steep cuts to the sides of the cliff banking both sides of the road could lead to landslips in the future.
Their concerns were doubled with the residents of Ramdas Nagar near Nondimedu noticing large chunks of soil getting washed away from under their homes, leading to structural damage to the buildings.
The State Highways department, which is in charge of constructing the road, was asked to consider measures to best mitigate the threat of landslips, and were advised to plant native grass along steep sections of the overhanging cliffs to prevent soil erosion and consequently, landslips, said an official from the department.
As part of the initial trial, a section of the cliff-face overhanging the road from between Lovedale Junction and Nondimedu is being planted with native Chrysopogon grass.
Restoration ecologist Vasanth Bosco, who is part of the project to introduce the grass, said that around 1,000 saplings would be planted along the stretch over the coming days.
“The grass, once they fully take root, will soak up water during rain like a sponge, and will also minimise soil erosion, decreasing the chance of landslips,” said Mr. Bosco.
Officials from the State Highways said that if successful, grasses could be introduced to other areas in the Nilgiris where landslips threatened road networks.