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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)
Volume 9, Issue 1, January 2018, pp. 407–415, Article ID: IJCIET_09_01_039
Available online at http://http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=1
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316
© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed
A STUDY ON NATURAL DISASTER IMPACTS
ON SOIL IN KATTERY WATERSHED NILGIRI
DISTRICT
Kumar N
Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering,
Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
Dr. N. Balasundaram
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
Dr. T. Meenambal
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
Government College of Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to access the impacts of natural disaster on soil in
watershed basis. Hence Kattery watershed of Nilgiris district-Tamil Nadu, India is
taken up for this study. The methodology involves remote sensing and GIS
technologies. Field study and Laboratory analysis. The present study was initiated in
Kattery watershed by preparing various thematic maps from cadastral maps using
GIS Technology relevant to the study. Natural disaster that occur in hilly areas are
earthquakes, landslides and floods. During these disasters there is great loss for life,
properties and natural resources.
This paper focuses on importance of natural resources such as soil, and the virtual
disasters caused due to the soil loss.
Key words: Kattery watershed, natural diaster, landslides, impact and soil loss.
Cite this Article: Kumar.N, Dr. N. Balasundaram, Dr. T. Meenambal, A Study on
Natural Disaster Impacts on Soil in Kattery Watershed Nilgiri District. International
Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 9(1), 2018, pp. 407-415.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=1
1. INTRODUCTION
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunami’s, cyclones, landslides, fire, volcanic eruptions
are a great threat to mankind and properties. A disaster happens when a hazard impacts on
vulnerable population and causes damage, casualties and disruptions. India has been
traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo climatic conditions.
Kumar N, Dr. N. Balasundaram, Dr. T. Meenambal
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Nilgiri’s district is a disaster prone area, although the district falls under earthquake prone
zone the major natural disasters occurred since 1865 to 2009 is of rainfall induced landslides
and floods. The district is located in the north-western part of Tamil Nadu which falls within
the western ghats. The district receives an annual average rainfall of 1920 mm. This district
isdelineated into 75 macro watersheds drained by two major rivers namely Moyar and
Bhavani draining into Bhavani Sagar Dam. The natural disaster occurred in the district has
largely contributed to soil loss and henceforth siltation of this dam. This dam irrigates an
Ayacut area of 582.87 sq km.
In order toprecisely study the impact of natural disasters in terms of soil loss, Kattery
watershed codified 7A/75 draining in to Kattery Dam is selected.
2. ABOUT KATTERY WATERSHED
The Kattery watershed is one of the biggest valley’s in South India, Located on Ooty-
Coonoor highway with an area of 2919 hectares at an MSL of 2100 mts. It is globally
positioned at 1122”01 N, 7644”32’ E which mainly comprises of annual and perennial
crops. It drains into Kattery reservoir which contributes to a major water resource for cordite
factory (Govt. of India Defense Department) the watershed is part of two revenue villages
namely Adigarrty and Ketty.
The reasons for selecting kattery watershed it’s because of its proximity for stream
gauging and various other factors such as agriculture practices different land terrains, its
susceptibility for landslips, slides and its drainage pattern, which drains into the kattery dam.
This watershed is further delinated into eight micro watersheds as per its natural drainage
pattern. This watershed receives rainfall from both southwest monsoon and northeast
monsoon.
A Study on Natural Disaster Impacts on Soil in Kattery Watershed Nilgiri District
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3. OBJECTIVE
The paradigm shift in management of natural resources following a watershed approach
requires integrated planning and implementation of works and activities. The Nilgiris have
been divided into 75 macro watershed and 176 micro watershed and these have been also
priorities into very high to low priority watersheds. The scope of this study is to develop a
comprehensive natural disaster management plan, keeping the above views in mind with the
following objectives.
Prevention of loss to life & property
To reduce the soil movement & erosion
Reduce the siltation of the reservoir
Increase the tank capacity of the reservoir
Increase in crop productivity.
To conduct a precise study in the watershed and the solutions to be implemented in the
district.
4. METHODOLOGY
As the objective of this study is to access the impacts of natural disaster such as landslides in
terms of soil loss, a suitable watershed which drains into a reservoir is selected.
The watershed area was delinated from village cadastral maps and digitized. Various
thematic maps such as present land use, drainage, land capability and soil texture was
prepared using GIS and remote sensing techniques.Data’s relevant to the study such as
rainfall, cropping pattern and sedimentation were collected.
Field study was done to ascertain the factors contributing for soil loss apart from natural
disasters.
Field study regarding the present land use, slope, agricultural practices, physical
interpretation of water bodies and impacts due to natural disasters already occurred was done.
Stream gauging was done to access the sedimentation in the watershed
Kumar N, Dr. N. Balasundaram, Dr. T. Meenambal
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5. PRESENT LAND USE
The present land use in this Watershed is as follows,
Cultivable area = 944.72 ha
Estate land = 1307.55 ha
Forest Land = 319.94 ha
Road = 43.71 ha
Rock = 41.76 ha
Settlement = 220.27 ha
Water body = 40.39 ha
---------------
2918.33 ha
---------------
6. NATURAL DISASTERS OCCURRED IN THE WATERSHED
In the year 1979 landslides and flash floods at ketti had caused major loss for life and
property. In the year 2009 a series of landslides had occurred in Achanakal hamlet of ketti
village causing major loss of life and property.
These natural disasters had contributed to a major soil loss resulting in siltation of the
reservoir which was inevitable. Apart from natural disasters induced by rainfall anthropogenic
activities has contributed to natural disasters and thereby soil loss.
A Study on Natural Disaster Impacts on Soil in Kattery Watershed Nilgiri District
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7. RAINFALL DATA
The rainfall in Kattery watershed since 2007 is as follows
8. IMPORTANCE OF SOIL
Soil is considered to be one of the most important natural resource to all living organisms
including mankind. Top soil formation takes more than 100 years by various agents of
deterioration. Soil is made up of 45% minerals 25% water 25% air and 5% of organic
materials.
Soil facilitates
Vegetative growth
Water conservation
Microbial activities
Conserves natural resources
Healthy soil is the fundamental element for all living being.
S.No.Year
(Jan - Dec)
Rainfall Received
(in mm)
1 2007 2921.00
2 2008 2116.00
3 2009 3288.40
4 2010 1744.00
5 2011 1523.60
6 2012 850.80
7 2013 1083.80
8 2014 1671.70
9 2015 1482.60
10 2016 648.70
Kumar N, Dr. N. Balasundaram, Dr. T. Meenambal
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9. EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION
Soil is considered to be one of the important natural resource, hence loss of soil inherits the
following
Loss of fertile and precious top soil
Reduction of crop productivity
Sedimentation of aquatic Systems
Water pollution
Clogging of waterways
Destruction of infrastructure
Desertification
10. SLOPE STUDY
The Slope study in the Watershed reveals the slope is from 5% to 60% average.
A Study on Natural Disaster Impacts on Soil in Kattery Watershed Nilgiri District
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11. SEDIMENTATION STUDY
Sedimentation studies were carried in the silt monitoring station located at the drainage point
of the watershed, to access the actual soil loss. One litre water samples were collected and
analyzed in the laboratory, sedimentation rate was interpreted based on the rainfall, runoff and
silt weight per litre.
Rainfall Runoff Sediment Data
Name Year
Rain
fall
in mm
(P)
Run off
Ha. M
(Q)
Sediment
rate in Ha
m/100 Sq.km
(S)
Soil loss
tonnes/Ha.
KATTERY 1979-80 1467.30 3049.670 10.4500 14.63
1980-81 787.70 449.670 0.7522 1.05
1981-82 744.20 204.882 1.1674 1.63
1982-83 970.10 613.132 0.8473 1.18
1983-84 1027.00 73.897 0.9247 1.29
1984-85 1215.70 235.580 0.3336 0.46
1985-86 1175.80 172.680 0.0617 0.08
1994-95 666.80 450.560 0.8394 1.17
1995-96 427.70 482.328 1.5814 2.21
1996-97 971.00 645.043 2.8270 3.95
1997-98 1331.96 1142.797 2.5426 3.55
1998-99 1309.91 789.287 2.9722 4.16
Study
period 2014-15 1482.60 1052.640 3.6300 5.09
Sedimentation study reveals that soil loss was more during natural disaster in 1979-80
and present soil loss due anthropogenic activities
12. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Lab Study reveals the following
Soil loss monitored in the gauging station is very high in comparison with the previousdata’s.
Though the permissible soil loss is 4 Tons/Hec. Per year, the entire soil lost is deposited in the
dam resulting in reduction of tank capacity of the dam.
Field Study Reveals the Following
This watershed is prone for landslides the northern side, based on slope and soil thickness.
Rain fall is the major factor inducing landslides and soil erosion.
Most of the land slips occurred in areas of high slopes, more lithomorgic depth, high soil
saturation due to heavy rains.
Landslides are induced due to erratic earth cutting with machineries loosening boulders etc.,
Clogging of culverts due to non periodic maintenance
Kumar N, Dr. N. Balasundaram, Dr. T. Meenambal
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Photos showing improper construction practices
Soil erosion is caused due to following factors
Due to natural disasters such as landslides.
Improper agricultural practices.
Conversion of perennial crops into annual crops.
Floods and thereby sand casting in cultivatable lands due to stream narrowing.
Deforestation.
Outward slopes of bench terrace.
Uncultivated barren land exposed to all weathering conditions.
Negligence of farmers to actively maintain aquatic structures such as check dams, ponds, etc.,
Improper agricultural practices flooding due to stream narrowing
On comparing the field study and the lab study, results ascertain that the watershed faces
serious natural disaster in terms of soil erosion, landslides and there by siltation of the
reservoir.
13. CONCLUSIONS
On analyzing the laboratory and field study, it is clearly understood that soil loss is very high
due to natural disasters and anthropogenic activities making the area vulnerable to the hazard
hence effective soil conservation measures to conserve natural resource such as soil loss is to
be implemented.
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