Problems associated with implementation of bioengineering in hill road construction in Nepal

Abstract

Abstract The landslide disaster, feeble geology, rapid deforestation, poor drainage system, and increase in mechanical strain have weakened the Krishna Bhir slope, Prithvi Highway, Dhading, Nepal. The objective of this article was to study about the problems associated with bioengineering implementation in hill road construction with the future recommendations. For primary research, map study, field observation, in-depth interview, focus-group discussion, and questionnaire survey were used as an instrument for the field study. Published reports, papers, thesis, database and manuals, and field observation were also reviewed. Landslide caused the loss of property, ill effects on lifestyle, disturbance in movement of goods and services, loss of availability of water due to damage in water supply system, damage in sewage disposal system, etc. During the construction period using bioengineering technique, major problem occurred during installation of the bioengineered system (RII = 0.791), lack of training during construction (RII = 0.839), unavailability of space (RII = 0.817), inadequate supply of appropriate instruments (RII = 0.821), and improper selection of vegetation types (RII = 0.839). The major problems were also seen during site monitoring and evaluation (RII = 0.853). Proper selection of plant species (RII = 0.936) before implementation of bioengineering technique is needed at hill road, but the high installation costs (RII = 0.841) could be the major limitation. Bioengineering application has a bright future if proper actions are taken in time. Solutions need to be formulated and implemented by understanding the major limitations of bioengineering technique.