Developments of Fractures and Land Subsidence at Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu

Kolli hills is one of the small tourist spots in Tamil Nadu falls in Eastern Ghats. In general, improper land management, intensive weathering and rainfall trigger frequent slope failures and landslide in hill systems. During December 2005, similar slope failure had occuued in the Southeastern part of Kolli hills. Fractures and open cracks had developed along with horizontal and vertical displacements. Continuous heavy rainfall deforestation agricultural practices and obstruction of natural flow are observed to be the causative factors for such failure. Field investigations and other parameters were studied in detail. Abandoning of current agriculture practices and permitting natural flow of the streams are immediate steps recommended for stabilising such vulnerable slope.