Patlekhet Report

Final Report on the Study of Patlekhet Landslide, Dhulikhel Municipality, Kavre
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................ii
List of Figures...........................................................................................................................iv
List of Tables............................................................................................................................iv
List of ANNEXES......................................................................................................................v
Chapter One...............................................................................................................................1
Introduction................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background......................................................................................................................1
1.2 Location and Accessibility...............................................................................................2
1.3 Background of the study..................................................................................................4
1.3.1 Statement of the problem..............................................................................................4
1.3.2 Significance of the study.............................................................................................. 4
1.4 Objective of the study......................................................................................................5
1.5 Delimitation of the study..................................................................................................5
1.7 The study site...................................................................................................................5
1.8 Scope of the Study............................................................................................................6
1.9 Climatic variation in Nepal..............................................................................................7
Chapter Two...............................................................................................................................8
Methodology..............................................................................................................................8
2.1 Definition of the Terms Used...........................................................................................9
2.1.1 Falls.............................................................................................................................. 9
2.1.2 Topples.......................................................................................................................10
2.1.3 Slides.......................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.4 Rotational Slides.........................................................................................................11
2.1.5 Translational Slides....................................................................................................11
2.1.6 Lateral Spreads............................................................................................................11
2.1.7 Flows.......................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.7 Complex Movement...................................................................................................12
Chapter Three...........................................................................................................................13
Geology and Engineering Geology..........................................................................................13
3.1 Geology..........................................................................................................................13
3.2 Regional Geology:..........................................................................................................13
3.3 Geology of the Study Area.............................................................................................14
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Chapagau, Lalitpur, Nepal
3.4 Engineering Geological Study.......................................................................................14

3.5 Controlling attempts......................................................................................................19
3.6 What can be done to prevent the landslide?...................................................................19
Chapter Four.............................................................................................................................21
Conclusion and Recommendations..........................................................................................21
4.1 Prevention and Mitigation measures..............................................................................21
6.1.1 Short term...................................................................................................................22
6.1.2 Long Term..................................................................................................................23
4.2 Conclusion......................................................................................................................23
4.3 Recommendation and suggestions.................................................................................24
4.3.1 Recommendations:.....................................................................................................24
4.3.2 Suggestions:............................................................................................................... 25

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Location map of the study area...................................................................................2

Figure 2: Location map of Patlekhet landslide area...................................................................3
Figure 3: Patlekhet landslide area..............................................................................................3
Figure 4: Google Map View......................................................................................................6
Figure 5: Flow chart of the study methodology.........................................................................8
Figure 6 : Geological Map of the Study area (DMG, 1984)....................................................14
Figure 7: Land movement at the lower part of the study area..................................................15
Figure 8: Part of Landslide.......................................................................................................16
Figure 9 : Parts of LS1............................................................................................................18
Figure 10 : Parts of LS2...........................................................................................................18
Figure 11: Part of LS3..............................................................................................................19
Figure 12 Proposed Mitigation measure for the prevention of Patlekhet landslide.................25
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2: Physiographic Zones with corresponding to bio-climatic zones and sub- zones.........7
Table 1:Varne’s Classification of mass movement..................................................................10
Table 3: Geological Sub-division of Nepal Himalaya.............................................................13
Table 4: Summary of landslide prevention and control works................................................21

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
About 83 percent of the Nepal is composed of mountainous terrain. Owing to the rugged
mountain topography, complex and fragile nature of geology and geological structures, soft
soil cover, high intensity rainfall during monsoon time and frequent earthquake, the
mountains are vulnerable to landslide, debris flow, soil erosion and mass wasting phenomena.
Steep gradient and swift water flows of the Himalayan River and stream have significantly
contributed the process of mass wasting every year. Landslide is the main natural hazard in
Nepal causing economic loss more than a billion of US$ every year along with plenty of life
loss.
Many hill villages in Nepal are situated on or adjacent to unstable slopes and old landslides
which are reactivated from time to time. Earthquake also has triggered many landslides
within Nepal thereby causing significant loss of life and property.
The rapidly increasing construction of infrastructures, such as roads, irrigation canals, and
dams without due consideration given to natural hazards, is contributing considerably to
triggering of landslides. Road failures as a result of rains and floods add enormous load to the
stream and rivers which ultimately damage the infrastructures, settlements and cultivated land
on low lying area.
Thus, identification of the root cause of the problem is one of the primary aspects to avoid
such possible disaster. For this purpose, it is necessary to locate the landslide areas, identify
the causes, the areas of influence and propose the necessary mitigation measures.
There is no such history of Patlekhet landslide. The Patlekhel landslide first occurred in
September 2024 after the heavy rainfall around the Central Nepal basically around the project
area. The heavy rainfall hits this area badly and caused the subsidence mechanism on the soft
soil of this area that ultimately resulted the disturbance on the soil cover. Over a long period
of time due to continuous exposure the soft rocks over this area got highly to completely
weathered into soft soil thereby reducing its strength. After the landslide, this area is prone to
subsidence mainly at the time of precipitation during rainy season in future.
During field observation, three major affected areas were observed, first is above road slope,
second is around the streamlet and third is just below the buildings and after the cultivated
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land. Developments of rills and debris flow are common. The landslide and subsided area
(study area) is composed of completely weathered phyllitic slate and colluvial to residual soil
which have no significant bearing capacity.
This Patlekhel Landslide affects the agriculture land and building area of Eco Himal, Nepal
most, who are very conscious about the potential risk so they have approached the technical
team corresponding of engineering geologist and civil engineer for the study of potential
threats and mitigation measures.
1.2 Location and Accessibility

The proposed project area for the countermeasure of Patlekhet Landslide lies in the Patlekhet
area of Dhulikhel Municipality, Kabhre District, Nepal. It lies in the hill region in the eastern
part of the country (Figure 1). The Landslide site can be accessed by black topped and gravel
road from Kathmandu to Patlekhet. Geographical coordinates of landslide are 27.589230° N,
85.601210° E as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Study Area
Figure 1: Location map of the study area

Figure 2: Location map of Patlekhet landslide area

(Source: Google Earth 2024, Google image of February, 2024 is available and landslide
triggered in September, 2024. So, landslide is not visible in the image.)
Figure 3: Patlekhet landslide area

Nepal is a mountainous country with about two third of its total area covered by hills and
mountains. The landform of Nepal in the hilly area consists of unstable slope. A steep slope
has high risk of premature damage due to the high combination of adverse climate and
geological condition. It is frequently suffering from the Water Induced Disasters such as
Floods, Landslides, Debris Flows, Inundation, Bank undercutting etc. During heavy rainfall,
huge amount of Debris produced in the hills and mountain, flow down and cause heavy loss
to the human lives, livestock and infrastructures.
1.3 Background of the study

Among various water-induced disasters, landslide has always been a major disaster to
damage human lives and their properties in Nepal. Nepal possesses very young mountains
where geological process is very active. The fragile and young Himalayas with torrential
monsoon, earth tremors and environmental degradation together constitute a natural factor to
accelerate occurrence of landslide. Even artificial factors such as canal and road undercutting
play another vital role to trigger major landslide. The science of landslide/ slope stability has
greatly advanced in recent years in terms of laboratory, field test and analytical method/ tools
used for prevention, or the forecasting of landslide.
1.3.1 Statement of the problem

The preliminary study of Patlekhet landslide should aim to get engineering solutions for the
present landslide that can effectively control further sliding. Surface and subsurface drainage
has augmented the slide, especially during the monsoon time that should be drain out
properly so that the disturbed mass within the slide zone won’t lose their shear strength
further. A road passing across the upper part of the landslide should be managed properly
thereby adopting soil treatment/stabilization process so that the vibration created by transport
system won’t trigger out the disturbed mass. The preventive and mitigative measures
irrespective of soil type, existing vegetation, type locality, available materials, slope materials
and climate such that the whole landslide zone can be restored in the previous state.
1.3.2 Significance of the study

The findings of this study will rebound to the benefit of Eco Himal, Nepal for their
agriculture farm in Patlekhel. Prevention of this landslide helps Eco Himal to get rid of fear
of this landslide. The stabilization of this landslide guide to Eco Himal about their roles in
landslide protection in upcoming days too. The buildings located at the central part of the
present landslide will have no fear round the year after the stabilization of this landslide.

Likewise, the Eco Himal will be benefited by round the year agriculture system that saves
their time and money.
1.4 Objective of the study

The main objective and scope of the study of Patlekhet landslide is to carry out engineering
geological study of the landslide and to suggest the proper mitigation measures.
The main objectives and scope of the study are to:
 Propose and suggest appropriate countermeasure works of the landslide at suitable
locations.
 Prepare photographic documentation of existing site condition.
 Identify and classify the landslide zones in the area.
The objective of the work is to study and to carry out survey work of Patlekhet Landslide
at Kabhre. This in the Dhulikhel Municipality of Kabhre District located at 27.589230°
N, 85.601210° E and 1532 amsl elevation. The proposed study will consist of the
following components:
 Geological Study
 Engineering Geological study
 Civil Engineering Study
 Structural Study.
The integration of the above component is necessary in order to gather enough data towards
identification of the location and causes of the land slide, their impact as well as to purpose
required structural cum bioengineering mitigation measures.
1.5 Delimitation of the study

This study is limited to the landslide located at Patlekhet that falls under the Lessser
Himlayan rocks consisting of highly weathered Phyllite. This region lies within the temperate
region with medium rainfall. Steep slope area having loose soil material with colluvial cum
residual material having low bearing capacity and bad drainage system is the main cause of
the landslide.
1.7 The study site

It has already engulfed ropanis of cultivated land. The coordinates of the present crown of the
slide are 27.589230° N, 85.601210° E. The slide and subsidence mechanism are solely
controlled by the geological factors. Structurally this area lies within the highly disturbed

zone just resting thrust. The detail insights about the geological structures have been
described later here.
Figure 4: Google Map View

1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study is but not limited to the following:
 Locate the existing landslides at Patlekhel and determine its extent.
 Locate the sites for proposing countermeasure work at suitable locations with
cross-section and its lateral sides.
 Prepare photographic documentation of existing site condition
 Carryout geological study of the landslide- rock type, orientation, soil type and its
role for triggering the landslide.
 Draw sketch of magnitude and direction of the landslide with existing main
features of the landslide, such as cracks, scarp, springs etc.
 Report the preliminary geomorphologic situation of the study area.
 Suggest appropriate structural and non-structural mitigating measures within or at
the periphery of the present landslide.
 Prepare cost estimate based on the proposed structural measures, and

1.9 Climatic variation in Nepal

Nepal has a great deal of variation in climate. And a tropical and subtropical climate exists in
the Terai Region. Outside the Tarai, however, the climate is completely different. The
remarkable differences in climatic conditions are primarily related to the enormous range of
altitude within such a short north-south distance. The presence of the east-west-trending
Himalayan massifs to the north and the monsoonal alteration of wet and dry seasons also
greatly contribute to local variations in climate.
The northern range (Himalayas) is covered with snow round the year, where the highest peak
of the world, the Mount Everest, stands. Gorgeous mountains, high peaks, hills, valleys and
lakes characterize the middle range (Hill). The southern range (Terai) is a gangetic plain of
alluvial soil and consists of dense forest area. Having diversified physiographic zones, it has
6 bio-climatic zones ranging from tropical to the alpine; it has accommodated six bio-
climatic regions ranging from tropical to Naval zones and eleven sub-zones. This
categorization more or less corresponds to the physiographic division of Nepal into Terai,
Siwalik, Mid hill, High Mountains and High Himalayas as developed by Land Resources
Mapping Project (LRMP) 1986.
Table 1: Physiographic Zones with corresponding to bio-climatic zones and sub- zones
Physiographic zones Corresponding
Sub zones (altitudinal range)
(LRMP, 1986) bio climatic zones
High Himalayas Naval Above 5000m
High Mountains Alpine Upper (From 4501-5000m) to Lower (From 4001- 4500m)
Sub-alpine Upper (From 3501-4000m) to Lower (From3001-3500m)
Mid Hill Temperate Upper (From 2501-3000m) to Lower (From2001-2500m)
Sub-tropical Upper (From 1501-2000m) to Lower (From 1001-1500m)
Siwalik Terai Tropical Upper (From 501 –1000m) to Lower (Below 500)
The study area falls under the Mid Hill, Sub-tropical zone on the basis of its elevation ranges
from 1080-1385 m.

CHAPTER TWO
METHODOLOGY
The methodology to be followed to achieve the objectives of the proposed study is presented
in the flow diagram and briefly described below.
The whole work shall include the preliminary engineering and geological study of the
Patlekhet landslide. The socio-economic data has been collected using the structured, semi-
structured and unstructured questioners through the methods of RRA and PRA. The relevant
questionnaire and checklist were developed during the desk study phase.
Collect existing Preparation for the

PHASE I: Desk Study Field Survey
reports, maps
Geological and Eng.

Geological data Engineering data
PHASE II: Desk collection
Collection
PHASE III: Post Field

Study
Discuss the causes and effect of

landslide; propose mitigation
measures; cost estimation
Compilation of the Preparation and Submission Analyze the data

of Draft Report
Final Report Submission
Figure 5: Flow chart of the study methodology

Likewise, the checklists were prepared for the engineering geological and engineering survey
to collect the details of the landslide. The landslide study was carried out at the present
landslide zone the social survey was carried out with the officials of Eco Himal, Nepal. The
socio-economic survey intends to find out the status of the agricultural farm and to get their
overview on the landslide. Therefore, the social survey is expected to reveal the existing

problem and the possible future works that can be applied to save the lives and property as
much as possible that are more vulnerable due to mass movement.
In addition, the Consultant realized the need of using satellite image of high resolution for the
extraction of information from the catchment. This approach will help to acquire preliminary
information beforehand that was helpful to make the field visit more efficient through the
identification of more problematic areas and also cross-checking the information received
from the Eco Himal Officials regarding the mass wasting activities and severity of the
problem. Likewise, ArcGIS software has been used to prepare the landslide distribution maps
and comparison of landslide areas at different time interval.
The drawing software like Auto CAD will been used to prepare the structural design
proposed to mitigate the impact of debris derived from landslides. Further; the report
contains the information on methodology adopted in the study with flow diagram, data
required for input and results obtained as output.
2.1 Definition of the Terms Used

Landslide is use to denote the downward and outward movements of slope forming materials
along the surface of separation by falling, sliding and flowing at a faster rate. Varne (1978)
classified the landslide based on types of movement and types of material involved (Table 1).
Varnes (1978) defined landslides as the downward and outward movement of slope forming
materials composed of rock, soil or artificial fill. Obviously, such movement involves the
development of a slip surface between the separating and remaining masses. The majority of
stress found in most slopes is the sum of the gravitational stress from the self-weight of the
material plus the residual stress. Landslides occur because the forces creating movement, the
disturbing forces (MD) exceed those resisting it the resistance force, (MR), the shear strength
of the material. In general terms, the stability of a slope may be defined by a factor of safety
(F) where F = MR/MD. If the factor of safety exceeds one, the slope is stable, whereas if it is
less than one, the slope is unstable.
2.1.1 Falls
Falls are abrupt movements of slope materials that become detached from steep slopes or
cliffs. Falls are very common. The moving mass travels mostly through the air by free fall,
saltation or rolling, with little or no interaction between the moving fragments. Depending
upon the type of slope materials involved, it may be a rock fall, soil fall, debris fall, and
boulder fall and so on. The relatively free character and lack of a slide plane differentiate the
rock fall and rockslide.

Table 2:Varne’s Classification of mass movement
Type of Material
Type of movement Debris Soil

Bed rock
Predominantly coarse Predominantly fine
Falls Rock fall Debris fall Earth fall
Topples Rock topple Debris topple Earth topple
Rotational Debris slump Earth slump
Slides Rock block slide Debris block slide Earth block slide
Translational
Rockslide Debris slide Earth slide
Spreads Rock spread Debris spread Earth spread
Rock flow Debris flowEarth flow

Flows
(Deep creep) Soil creep
Complex Combination of two or more principal types of movement
2.1.2 Topples
A topple is a mass movement encountered in the rock, in this case block of rock that tilts or
rotates forward on a pivot or hinge and then separates from the main mass falling on the slope
subsequently bouncing or rolling down the slope. These movements usually occur on steep
slopes and depending upon the geometry of slopes below the point of movement may end up
as 'falls' or slides. The size of topples is controlled by the nature of the rock and the
orientation of discontinuities.
2.1.3 Slides
Slides are the mass movements along certain shear surface or zone of weakness due to
unbalanced shear stresses separating the slide material from the more stable underlying
materials. The mass involved may or may not experience considerable deformation. Sliding
materials may range from loose unconsolidated soils to slabs of rock. The two major types of
slides are rotational and translational slide. Whether the rupture is curved, planar, or more
complex depends primarily on the structural features of the deposit, the effective stress-strain
characteristics of the soil, the magnitude and distribution of pore pressure.

2.1.4 Rotational Slides

The rotational slide refers to a failure, which involves sliding movement on a circular, or near
circular surface of failure. It occurs on slopes of homogeneous clay or shale and soil slopes.
The slide movement is more or less rotational about an axis, that is, parallel to the contour of
the slope. Rotational slides usually develop from tension scars in the upper part of a slope, the
movement being more or less rotational about an axis located above the slope. The tension
cracks at the head of a rotational slide are generally concentric and parallel to the main scar.
Rotational slides have been observed in both fissured and intact over consolidated clays.
2.1.5 Translational Slides

Translational slides are non-rotational block slides involving mass movements on more or
less on or along planar surface. Such slides occur without any significant change in geometry
of the unstable region. The movement of translational slide is controlled by surfaces of
weakness such as bedding planes, joints, and faults. Slopes of jointed and fissured rocks over
consolidated soil can fail by translatory movements. The mass involved in the movement
becomes dislodged because the force of gravity overcomes the frictional resistance along the
potential slip surface.
2.1.6 Lateral Spreads

Lateral spreads are a result of the nearly horizontal movement of unconsolidated materials
and are distinctive because they usually occur on very gentle slope. The failure is due to
liquefaction. Rapid ground motion such as earthquakes usually trigger the failure or by slow
chemical changes in the pore water and mineral constituents.
2.1.7 Flows
Flows are progressive mass movement of soil in very low shear strength. Flows occur where
there is a suitable combination of low shear strength at large strains combined with high pore
pressures. Flows can occur in loose cohesion-less soils and silts. Such a slide may be initiated
at the toe of the slope by vibrations due to such activities as pile driving or explosions. In a
flow, the movement resembles that of a viscous fluid. Slip surfaces are usually not visible or
are short-lived and the boundary between the flow and the material over which it moves may
be sharp or represented by a zone of plastic flow. Flows were divided into creep, debris flow,
debris avalanche, earth flow and mudflow.

2.1.7 Complex Movement

Slope movements involving two or more principal types of movements mentioned above is
complex movement. Generally, huge scale movements are complex, such as rock fall, rock
debris avalanches. For example, rolling rock blocks from higher elevations due to rock falls
may cause debris slides at lower elevations. Often landslide dams are formed because of a
combination of movements of some of the following types: rock and earth slides, debris and
mudflows, and rock and debris avalanches.

CHAPTER THREE
GEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
3.1 Geology
A comprehensive geological investigation was carried out on the proposed project in order to
determine site feature and soil properties. The geological investigation includes the desk
study, reconnaissance survey and detailed field study. All relevant maps, Google map were
analyzed during the desk study. A survey was carried out to evaluate the cause of mass
movement. The soil types, rock structure, direction and inclination of slope, hydro-geological
and hydrodynamic conditions were incorporated in the field study.
3.2 Regional Geology:

Nepal Himalaya is divided into the following major five tectonic zones separated by major
thrusts and faults. The tectonic zones with their characteristics are tabulated as follows from
south to north (Table 3).
Table 3: Geological Sub-division of Nepal Himalaya
S. N. Geological Units Characteristics
Tibetan Tethyan Sedimentary rocks such as Shale, Limestone and sandstone ranging
1
Himalayan Zone in age from Cambrian to Cretaceous.
……………………………………………...STD……………………………………………………...
High grade metamorphic rocks i.e. gneiss, migmatite, schist,

2 Higher Himalaya
quartzite and marbles
………………………………………….…MCT…………………………………………………...
Unfossiliferous sedimentary and meta-sedimentary rocks such as

3 Lesser Himalaya shale, sandstone, limestone, dolomite, slate, phyllite, schist and
quartzite ranging in age from pre-cambrian to Eocene.
……………………..…………………….. MBT…...………...………………………………...
4 Siwalik Fluvial sedimentary rocks
sandstone and conglomerate of Neogene to quaternary age
……………………………………...
…….MFT……………………………………………………………
5 Terai Alluvium sediments of Pleistocene to recent age.

3.3 Geology of the Study Area

The Patlekhet landslide lies within the Lesser Himalayan rock sequence of Central Nepal
(Figure 6). The studied landslide and its periphery belongs to the Sarung Khola Formation of
Phulchoki Sub Group, Kathmandu Group, Lesser Himalaya, Central Nepal. The lithology
consists of fine grained dark green grey biotite and quartzitic mica schists occasionally
garnetiferous interbedded with impure stringly micaceous quartzite. Rock exposure is
observed at the toe part of landslide. The landslide area comprises highly to completely
weathered micaceous schist, which converted into clay. The topmost part of the landslides
area is covered by thick residual soil up to 15 m with organic soils at the top. The orientation
of the foliation is 045 º/25º (dip direction/dip amount). 3 sets of prominent joint sets are
clearly visible at the tow part of the landslide.
Study
Area
Figure 6 : Geological Map of the Study area (DMG, 1984)
3.4 Engineering Geological Study

The study was carried out a walk-through survey of the landslide site and its affected areas.
The sketch along longitudinal section of the landslide is prepared. The data of the field survey
is presented in the tabular form. Based on the field survey, there was a three-stage slide
triggered by heavy rainfall and surface water movement. From the field observation, the

topmost part is covered by residual soil, which is very loose with high plasticity index
(formed by weathered schist). Due to unplanned and unmanaged road lines, steep slope at the
loose residual soil formed which was moved during heavy rainfall. The debris follows from
the topmost part covered the agriculture land of the Eco Himal, Nepal. Around the western
part, a perennial string is noticed. Due to the heavy flood, bank cutting around the right bank
of the string is noticed which further affect the agriculture land of the Eco Himal. There was
gravel dominated alluvial soil in the bank of the string, which further reduces the hazard from
the string but the minor scale treatment is required in the right bank of the string. Lower part
of the area is seeming unstable, which was moved around 2 meters from its original places.
Shallow seated slip surface is the main cause of instability at the lower part of the area which
will result the potential slide of displaced material in future monsoon. Initially, some cracks
were developed at the top most part of the lower slide. Then, percolation of water within the
landmass increased the pore water pressure and thus resulting the mass movement due to
loosening of shear strength of the soil mass. Due to slow movement of the soil mass, several
tension cracks were also observed around the third landslide. These cracks will be widening
on both flanks in future.
Figure 7: Land movement at the lower part of the study area

Due to these cracks at the top, the rate of the soil subsidence will be increased. The soil
deposits consist of varying size from granule to pebble and cobbles of schist. There are three
main landslides located in the study area. (Figure 8)
The dimension of the LS1 in upper part of road section is 160 m in length and 45 m in height
with average slope of 50 degree and deposited soil ranges from 10 to 15 m in both LS1. The
slope angle of natural (hill) slope is ranges from 45 0-500 due north for LS1. The dimension of
the LS2 in western part (kholsi section) is 55 m in length, which is bank cutting by the kholsi
having around 1 meters height with average slope of 40 degree and deposited soil ranges
from 2 to 5 m in LS2. The slope angle of natural (hill) slope is ranges from 35 0-450 due north
for LS2. The dimension of the LS3 in lower part is 30 m in length and 35 m in height with
average slope of 40 degree and deposited soil ranges from 5 to 10 m in LS2. The slope angle
of natural (hill) slope is ranges from 350-450 due north for LS2. The landslide are shown in
Figure 9 to Figure 11.
LS-3
LS-2
LS-1
Figure 8: Part of Landslide
LS1
Aspect North
Slope 450-500
Rock Type No exposure
Soil Type Residual soil

Slide Type Soil movement along road cut slope

Type of Failure weathering and heavy rainfall
Activity Active
LS2
Aspect North
Slope 450-500
Rock Type No exposure
Soil Type Alluvial soil
Slide Type Bank cutting due to kholsi
Type of Failure weathering and heavy flood
Activity Active
LS2
Aspect North
Slope 350-450
Rock Type highly weathered schist (90%)
Soil Type Colluvium and residual soil
Slide Type Soil creep along plane (Complex Faliure)
Type of Failure weathering and groundwater seepage
Activity Active

Figure 9 : Parts of LS1
Figure 10 : Parts of LS2

Figure 11: Part of LS3
3.5 Controlling attempts

As the landslide triggered in Spetember, 2024, no controlling measures are attempts by the
government and donor agencies. The local government clears debris accumulated in village
roads and deposited the debris in the side of road, which further increase the risk of slide.
3.6 What can be done to prevent the landslide?

It is obvious that the loose soil in the highly slope area are week terms of its geology. Adding
heavy rainfall in the weak zone results the small to large scale landslide. This doesn’t mean
that no mitigation, prevention and control works can’t be deployed. Climatic phenomenon
like heavy rainfall can’t be controlled but better understanding of this phenomenon and its
consequences could help us control the extent of damage.
Negligence, less understanding of geological and climatic phenomenon in this area, soil
composition and less investment during road construction in previous years has augmented its
extent and has made it complex. The complexity would increase in the upcoming years if we
neglect the present existing scenario of the slide. We have eye witness that Krishna Bhir was
stabilized successfully by the integrated application of engineering cum bio-engineering
structures after the government allocated a sufficient amount of budget to control it. If the
government allocate sufficient amount of budget to control and revive this slide, it is possible.

In order to control and revive the slide following actions could be taken immediately.
 A gabion wall at the toe of the slide, i.e. bottom part of the LS3
 A shear wall at the middle part of the LS3 penetration the slip surface should be
made to control the movement of the slide block. Flow of eroded sediments and
materials will also be controlled by this shear wall. But before constructing this
shear wall, it is necessary to make the foundation over the strong rock layer of the
foundation below the slip surface. The depth of the strong enough rock layer could
be found with the help of ERT survey at different points as necessary. The check
dam should be designed in such a way that it can hold the sufficient amount of
slided materials.
 A series 1 m height stone missionary wall along the Kholsi (LS2).
 Surface drainage network with ground sill at the debris deposited area.
 Drainage of surface water and shallow subsurface water is most essential to
decrease surface erosion, infiltration of water and ground water level. Surface
water flowing though the gullies has resulted in widening of these gullies.
Groundsill is necessary to control such erosion.
 Slope treatment control works
 Some unstable rocks or soil blocks with cracks in the state of overhanging at the
upper part of the LS1 should be removed. The slope of the landslide could be
maintained on the basis of the friction angle of the materials on the slope.
 Surface erosion control works
 Rainwater during monsoon sweeps away the eroded materials in the form of
debris. Surface erosion could be prevented by applying engineering structure along
with the bio engineering works.
 Bio-engineering works
 Special kinds of grasses and shrubs can be grown over the surface of the slided
materials. The vegetation should be chosen on the basis of the type locality and the
rate of growth.
 Vegetation over the peripheral land.

CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings obtained from the analysis of primary and secondary data, the following
conclusions can be drawn from the present study:
4.1 Prevention and Mitigation measures

Mitigation measures works carried out in the landslide area are primarily to improve the condition
of landslide instability mechanism, reduce risk (save life) and cost of accidental ultimate collapse
(to preserve public transport road). Based on the findings of the detailed landslide survey, relating
to the characteristics and location of landslide movements and rupture zones as well as the
distribution and levels of groundwater etc, landslide prevention and control works are
implemented to stop or slow down landslide movement or avoid landslide in order to prevent any
further damage by landslide movement. The landslide mitigation works that are to be undertaken
must be carefully selected, taking the mechanism of landslide into full consideration. (Table 4).
Table 4: Summary of landslide prevention and control works.
Category Landslide prevention and control works
Problem avoidance Avoiding existing landslide, relocation
Surface water
Channels or ditches, seepage water prevention works
drainage work
Tunnels, surface trenches, deep seated counter fort drains, drill
Subsurface drainage vertical drainage holes, horizontal boreholes, slope-seepage ditches,
water catchment well works.
Retaining walls, anchored retaining walls, crib works, gabions,
Support structure
shear walls and stabilization trenches piling works.
Excavation Removal, flattening, and benching.
Erosion control dams, consolidated dams, revetment groins, spur

River structure work
dikes, groin works.
Other methods Bio-engineering, blasting and hardening etc.
Patlekhet landslide will be active in future monsoon and rate of movement will be high.
Reactivation of the Patlekhet landslide highly depends on the rainfall, soil type, and clay
mineralogy, orientation of joints, hill slope, and pore water pressure. Landslide prevention and
control work require both structural and non-structural measures. Depending on the location and
the condition of landslide, suitable measures should be applied accordingly. However, control
works and preventive works are the two-major works involved in mitigating landslide. The
following remedial measures have been proposed to control mass movement of the Patlekhet
landslide.
4.1.1 Short term

 For proper surface and sub-surface water drainage some drainage ditch around the
agriculture land is proposed 10 m interval in the slope.
 The catchment drains should be impermeable clay base.
 Surface drain just above the LS3 is necessary.
 Proper drainage system at the road section is highly recommended.
 To decrease deepening of the cracks, some protection works such as ground seals
should be done to protect the rainwater percolation. However, the structures and
materials should not be heavy. The cracks should be filled by red clay in order to seal
the voids thereby controlling the percolation of surface water during rainy season.
 Bioengineering works should be increased in all slope part of the landslide. This would
also help to stabilize the further soil surface by rill erosion.
4.1.2 Long Term

 Detail topographical survey should be done on the scale of 1:100 for gathering all
information of geomorphology, geology, seepage condition, boulder position, houses
and cultivation pattern of the area.
 After topographic survey, it is strongly recommended to perform geophysical survey
like Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to determine the slip surface of the failure,
depth of the water table, bedrock position for further protection of mass movement
downwards.
Temporary, semi-permanent and permanent physical structural measures such as reshaping,
brushwood, sandbag, loose stone, gabion and stone missionary wall and shear wall will be used to
dissipate the energy of runoff and to keep the stability of the eroded road slope, kholsi and lower
part of the agriculture land.
The combination of civil cum bio engineering structures should apply to control the slope failure.
In LS1 of Patlekhet landslide, bioengineering approach will be sufficient to control the landslide.
Therefore, it is recommended to trim the road slope in bench-marks and then using the further
bioengineering methods. In LS2, 1 meter height stone missionary wall will be sufficient in the
right slope. Shear wall and gabion wall is recommended in the LS3.

4.2 Conclusion
A multidisciplinary study had been carried out including geological, engineering geological, civil
engineering and social aspects in order to prepare a mitigation measures and assess the economic
aspects of the proposed project. The study has revealed the following:
 The mass wasting process is active at the top most part (LS1), bank cutting is activated
in the Kholsi (LS2) and shallow slip surface failure is observed in lower part (LS3)
 The studied area lies Sarung Khola Formation having weathered schist as a bedrock.
The area around the present Patlekhet Landslide is composed of micaceous shish as the
bedrock, but the area is almost covered by colluvial and residual soil. The failure
mechanism is basically connected to the loose soil formation because of the loose soil
in surface and heavy rainfall. The existing bedrocks are highly folded and faulted
within this area.
 The sediments derived from the landslide areas are deposited in the agriculture land.
 The landslide and subsidence phenomenon had agricultural land and there is high risk
in the building.
 As part of the landslide treatment, soil trimming and vegetation planting in the active
landslide area of uppers slope (LS1), stone missionary wall in the Kholsi (LS2) and
gabion wall and shear wall in lower part (LS3) is proposed. Surface drain and
bioengineering have been proposed.
 The geology of the study area is characterized by the presence of high grade
metamorphic rock of schist.
 The main part of landslide is covered by the colluvium cum residual soil together.
 Fragile highly weathered residual soil (90% weathered schist) permits large amount of
precipitation to flow subsurface and large amount of this water are hold by the residual
soil.
 Patlekhet landslide is active mass movement phenomenon that occurred in soil that
shows perceptible movement during the future monsoon. Also, intense rainfall results
maximum infiltration due to poor drainage network and the water percolated from the
soil adds speed in the subsurface inflow. Water stored by the subsurface body is other
factor in the instability mechanism of the LS3.
4.3 Recommendation and suggestions

The following recommendations and suggestions have been drawn for the effectiveness of the
project and for the effective mitigation of the existing problems:
4.3.1 Recommendations:

 The suggestion from bio-engineering experts in selecting typical plants for the type
locality is necessary.
 The project should be executed with the involvement of the technical people.
 It is suggested to construct drainage ditch for the proper surface and subsurface water
drainage.
 Flexible wall with easy pass of voluminous water must be built at the base of the slide
(toe) around the all aspect of the slopes of the landslide immediately to protect further
movement and displacement. Surface drain should be built along the road section. The
surface drainage should have concrete/stone base. It is suggested to carry out some
gulley protection works to decrease deepening of the gully. The debris accumulated in
the agriculture land should be cleared. A shear wall is the middle of LS3 is highly
recommended.
 It is requested to implement the suggested mitigating and controlling measures
immediately, if possible before the coming monsoon. Otherwise, chance of enhancing
the damage might be higher if intensive rainfalls occur.
 Detail topographical survey should be done on the scale 1:100 for gathering all
information of geomorphology, geology, seepage condition, boulder position, houses
and cultivation pattern of the area.
 After topographic survey, it is strongly recommended to do geophysical survey such as
Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to know the slip surface of the failure, depth of
the water table, bedrock position for further protection of mass movement in the
Landslide area.

Figure 12 Proposed Mitigation measure for the prevention of Patlekhet landslide
4.3.2 Suggestions:
 Act before regretting. All the actions for the safe drainage should be done before the
monsoon.
 Carry out the slope reformation work around the upper slope, above the road section.
 Prevent the water passing into the slided zone through the tensional cracks around the
agriculture land and sides of the slide.
 It is not good to leave the slided land barren. It is good to plant vegetation of type
locality after maintaining the slope.
 Change the crop pattern. Stop the agricultural practice around the landslide zone.
Leave the vegetation grow few years so that water do not directly percolates into the
ground and reduces the water flow velocity as well.
 Carry out the ERT surveys over the different sections along and across the agricultural
field to determine the depth of the slip surface around the main slide.

ANNEXES

RETAINING WALL STRUCTURES

1. LS2 AREA: Along the kholso, 55m length 1.5m high stone masonry retaining wall.
Kholso near earthen road, where large landslide is seen, 6m high stone masonry retaining
wall, 12 m in length.
2. LS3 AREA: 30m length , 3m high stone masonry wall
3. BUILDING AREA: Adjacent to earthen road, 15m length, 3m high stone masonry
retaining wall
DETAILS OF STONE MASONRY RETAINING WALL
HEIGHT TOTAL LENGTH
1.5m 55m
3m 45m
6m 12m
Fig: Section along LS1 & LS3 area




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Final Report on the Study of Patlekhet Landslide, Dhulikhel Municipality, Kavre

Geo Hydro Consult Pvt. Ltd.

3.4 Engineering Geological Study.......................................................................................14

Geo Hydro Consult Pvt. Ltd.

Figure 1: Location map of the study area...................................................................................2

Geo Hydro Consult Pvt. Ltd.

Geo Hydro Consult Pvt. Ltd. 1

1.2 Location and Accessibility

Figure 1: Location map of the study area

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Figure 2: Location map of Patlekhet landslide area

Figure 3: Patlekhet landslide area

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1.3 Background of the study

1.3.1 Statement of the problem

1.3.2 Significance of the study

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1.4 Objective of the study

1.5 Delimitation of the study

1.7 The study site

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Figure 4: Google Map View

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1.9 Climatic variation in Nepal

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Collect existing Preparation for the

Geological and Eng.

PHASE III: Post Field

Discuss the causes and effect of

Compilation of the Preparation and Submission Analyze the data

Final Report Submission

Figure 5: Flow chart of the study methodology

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2.1 Definition of the Terms Used

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Table 2:Varne’s Classification of mass movement

Type of movement Debris Soil

Falls Rock fall Debris fall Earth fall

Topples Rock topple Debris topple Earth topple

Rotational Debris slump Earth slump

Spreads Rock spread Debris spread Earth spread

Rock flow Debris flowEarth flow

Complex Combination of two or more principal types of movement

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2.1.4 Rotational Slides

2.1.5 Translational Slides

2.1.6 Lateral Spreads

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2.1.7 Complex Movement

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3.2 Regional Geology:

Table 3: Geological Sub-division of Nepal Himalaya

S. N. Geological Units Characteristics

High grade metamorphic rocks i.e. gneiss, migmatite, schist,

Unfossiliferous sedimentary and meta-sedimentary rocks such as

4 Siwalik Fluvial sedimentary rocks

sandstone and conglomerate of Neogene to quaternary age

Geo Hydro Consult Pvt. Ltd. 13

3.3 Geology of the Study Area

Figure 6 : Geological Map of the Study area (DMG, 1984)