Recommendations made after landslip in Mahagiridamba area on Sri Pada route
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has informed the Ratnapura District Secretary that access through the unstable area in the Mahagiridamba section along the Hatton Sri Pada pilgrimage route, should remain restricted until recommended safety measures are fully implemented.
Accordingly, the NBRO has proposed 06 measures to minimise the risk situation.
Accordingly, they have recommended to reinforce the affected location with random rubble masonry and to join it to the bedrock with dowel.
The other recommendation is to erect a sidewall to a height of 300mm on either side of the flight of steps to prevent a further flow of water into the affected area.
The NBRO has also recommended that all cracks in unstable rock sections should be sealed with a cement mixture.
They have further recommended erecting a sidewall to a height of 500mm on the right side of the road section located at the lower part of the path to further prevent the flow of debri across the path.
Vegetation, roots, loose soil, and unstable shrubs over the affected area must be carefully cleared, NBRO added.
The NBRO has also emphasised that the area should be lit at night and monitored for any ground changes.
Meanwhile, the Director General has noted that the Hatton access route can be reopened as usual once these measures are completed.
Copies of the NBRO’s letter of recommendations have also been sent to the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada – Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera, the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor, the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Defence Secretary, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the IGP, and the Conservator General of Forests.
(Source: Aruna)
