Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

In an innovative move to tackle the growing issue of landslides and soil erosion, Himachal Pradesh’s State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has initiated a project that uses vetiver grass technology. Solan district, which has experienced significant landslips in recent years, has been chosen for this pilot project, with the initial implementation in Shamti, Sanwara, and Mansar areas.

Why Vetiver Grass?

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a perennial grass also known as Khus grass, belonging to the Poaceae family, subfamily Panicoideae, originating in India and widely distributed across Asia, Africa, Central, and South America. It is known for its extraordinary soil-stabilizing properties. Its fibrous root system can grow up to 3-4 meters deep, which not only anchors the soil but also penetrates through fault lines, preventing further erosion and stabilizing the land. It’s particularly effective in preventing landslips in sloped regions, making it an ideal solution for Himachal’s mountainous terrain.

Vetiver has also been used in India for its fragrant oil and as a traditional medicine for a long time. It's also used in perfumery for its woody notes, which are often paired with other materials like jasmine, neroli, rose, patchouli, and ylang-ylang. Vetiver essential oil, also known as Khus oil, is extracted from the roots of the vetiver plant.

Pilot Project in Solan

The SDMA has laid out a phased plan for planting vetiver in landslide-prone areas of Solan, with the support of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). In the first phase, the focus will be on vulnerable areas like Shamti, which recently suffered from severe ground cracks and structural damage due to landslides.

A Cluster Approach

To maximize the project’s impact, a cluster-based approach will be used, incorporating three different interventions:

1. Black Intervention: Mitigation work by the Public Works Department (PWD), where the DDMA will oversee execution.
2. Brown Intervention: A convergence model where various departments will work together, involving agencies from agriculture, horticulture, forest, and water departments.
3. Green Intervention: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Panchayati Raj Institutions, and civil society organizations will be actively involved, ensuring community participation in disaster mitigation.

The integrated approach is crucial, not only focusing on engineering solutions but also incorporating ecological and social inputs to build resilience against future landslides.

Vetiver and Bio-Engineering

The vetiver grass will be used alongside other bio-engineering solutions like henna, Bermuda grass, and “Jal Pippali” to prevent both surface and sub-soil erosion.

·       One key advantage is that vetiver does not have invasive properties, meaning it won’t disrupt neighboring ecosystems.

·       Additionally, its roots grow vertically, avoiding competition with other crops for nutrients and water.

Another aspect of the project includes using a combination of geo-fabrics and plant species tailored to the region’s watershed lineation, further enhancing soil stability.

Involvement of Experts and Community

Experts such as Babu Devairakam from the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Organisation (Tamil Nadu) and Dr. Chandan Ghosh from the Indian Vetiver Foundation (Delhi) have lent their expertise to this initiative, visiting the affected areas and helping plant vetiver. Self-help groups like Shiksha Kranti and Sarathi Society, along with Innerwheel, have also been engaged to ensure grassroots-level participation.

Soil and Climate

Vetiver: A Highly Adaptable Solution

Vetiver grass is known for its remarkable adaptability, thriving in a wide variety of soil types, from highly acidic to alkaline. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -15°C to 55°C, making it well-suited for the diverse climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh. It also grows well in saline soils, which enables its use in regions facing harsh environmental challenges.

Though vetiver can grow in many soil types, it thrives best in rich, well-drained loam. Loamy soils, with their loose texture, offer ideal conditions for both root growth and ease of harvesting. However, vetiver is also well-suited for more challenging soils, including:

• Waterlogged soils: Vetiver can flourish in areas prone to waterlogging, making it ideal for flood-prone regions.
• Sandy soils: Its deep root system stabilizes loose, sandy soils, effectively preventing erosion.
• High water table areas: Vetiver can survive in soils with a high water table, where other plants often struggle.
• Flood-prone areas: It is resilient in regions that experience temporary flooding or marshy conditions.

The healthiest root systems are observed when vetiver grows in warm, damp conditions, particularly in temporarily inundated, marshy lands. These environments promote the growth of its deep, fibrous roots, which are highly effective in preventing soil erosion and landslides.

This adaptability makes vetiver a versatile solution for various soil types and climates, especially in regions like Himachal Pradesh where diverse conditions exist.

A Step Towards Disaster Resilience

The vetiver project in Solan is just the beginning of Himachal’s broader effort to reduce disaster risks and promote sustainable land management practices. With landslides becoming an increasing concern due to changing weather patterns and deforestation, adopting nature-based solutions like vetiver grass could prove to be a game-changer in protecting both lives and infrastructure.

As the pilot project unfolds, its success could potentially lead to wider adoption across other vulnerable districts in Himachal Pradesh, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.