Category : Knowledge

HYDROSEEDING

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to use advanced biological solution – HYDROSEEDING in order to stabilize a critical stretch in Badrinath, Uttarakhand.

What is Hydroseeding?

Hydroseeding is an advanced bio-engineering technique designed to rapidly establish a protective layer of grass or vegetation on steep slopes

It is technique that involves spraying a mixture of seeds, water & fertilizer onto the slopes to prevent Landslides.

This mixture includes mulch fibres that bind soil together, preventing erosion, while the seeds germinate to create a living root structure for long term stability.

Advantages of Hydroseeding –

1. Cost effective – as it saves installation costs, time and labour expenses.
2. Prevents landslides – by reducing soil erosion.
3. Helps conserve water – as the grasses are drought-resistant.

Disadvantages of Hydroseeding –

1. Hydroseeding does not work without Mulch and hence does not prevent soil erosion immediately.
2. Temporary seeding is not suitable for steep slopes and in dry season (without irrigation facilities).
3. It needs maintenance.

India’s Top 10 vulnerable Landslide-prone areas –

1. Uttarakhand – Rudraprayag, Tehri – Garhwal
2. Kerala – Thissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode
3. Jammu & Kashmir – Rajouri, Poonch
4. Sikkim – South & East Sikkim.