Pune district asks GSI survey post cracks in hills and landslides

01 Aug 2024

The district administration has requested the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to conduct a survey of four sites, including one in Lavasa in Mulshi and Maval tehsils, following incidents of cracks and landslides on hills. Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam sent a letter to the GSI office on Alandi Road in Yerawada regarding this matter. "There is panic among people in the landslide-prone areas of Maval and Mulshi following the recent incidents. It is important to conduct a GSI survey to implement some measures," the letter stated.

This request comes after cracks were reported on a hill in Lohagad, causing alarm among residents and prompting the district administration to take action. Last week, similar cracks were reported in Mauje Vegre village in Mulshi, leading to the relocation of five families close to the affected site on Tuesday. Additionally, a landslide near Padalghar caused mud to slip up to 3 kilometers towards Bhatghar dam, resulting in the relocation of five families to Lavasa .

In all three locations, the villages are situated away from the affected sites, so further relocation is currently unnecessary, according to a district official. However, the official also noted that five bungalows in Lavasa, located near the three affected by the landslide, are also at risk and require a survey.

On July 25, a landslide in Lavasa trapped two people, and rescue operations were called off after four days due to the risk of further landslides. The district collectorate has shared the coordinates of the affected locations with the GSI office, and the ground survey is expected to take place within the next two to three days.

Sub-divisional officer of Maval and Mulshi, Surendra Navale, emphasised that the survey will assist the administration in making decisions related to the evacuation of people. "There is panic among people in Lohagad after cracks were reported around 300-400 meters from the village. We can shift nearby structures from these affected sites following advice from GSI. We will also be able to decide whether it is safe to allow temporarily relocated residents to return to their homes," Navale said. (Source: ET)

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