The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a critical warning against the planned use of explosives to clear boulders at the Kadugannawa landslide site along the vital Colombo-Kandy Road. Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake informed Parliament that chemical blasting could further destabilize the already fragile terrain, particularly dangerous given the ongoing adverse weather conditions affecting the region.
Parliamentary Update on Kadugannawa Crisis
During yesterday's parliamentary session, Minister Rathnayake provided a comprehensive update on the devastating landslide situation that has already claimed six lives. The minister emphasized the precarious nature of the current geological conditions, highlighting how the NBRO's expert assessment has identified significant risks associated with explosive-based boulder removal methods.
The warning comes at a critical time when authorities are under immense pressure to restore traffic flow along one of Sri Lanka's most important transportation arteries. The Colombo-Kandy Road serves as a lifeline connecting the commercial capital with the hill country, making its closure a matter of national economic concern.
Geological Instability Concerns
NBRO experts have conducted thorough assessments of the landslide-affected area, revealing that the terrain remains highly unstable. The organization's findings indicate that the vibrations and shock waves generated by explosive devices could trigger additional landslides, potentially worsening an already tragic situation.
The fragile geological conditions at Kadugannawa are compounded by several factors, including saturated soil from recent heavy rainfall, loose rock formations, and the natural slope characteristics of the area. These elements create a perfect storm for continued instability, making any intervention requiring significant ground disturbance extremely risky.
Meteorological conditions continue to pose additional challenges, with intermittent rainfall maintaining high moisture levels in the soil. This persistent dampness reduces the cohesion of earth materials, making the slope more susceptible to further movement and collapse.
Alternative Boulder Removal Methods
With explosives ruled out as too dangerous, authorities are now exploring alternative methods for clearing the massive boulders blocking the roadway. These alternatives include mechanical removal using heavy machinery, controlled hydraulic splitting, and gradual dismantling techniques that minimize ground vibration.
Heavy-duty excavators and specialized rock-breaking equipment are being considered as safer options for boulder removal. While these methods may take longer than explosive demolition, they significantly reduce the risk of triggering additional landslides that could endanger both rescue workers and nearby communities.
Engineering teams are also evaluating the possibility of creating temporary bypass routes to restore limited traffic flow while boulder removal operations continue. However, the challenging topography of the Kadugannawa area presents significant obstacles to such alternative routing solutions.
Impact on Transportation and Economy
The closure of the Colombo-Kandy Road has created substantial disruptions to both passenger and freight transportation. Commercial vehicles carrying essential goods between the western and central provinces are being forced to use longer alternative routes, resulting in increased transportation costs and delivery delays.
Tourism, already struggling from various economic challenges, faces additional setbacks as the blocked road affects access to popular hill country destinations. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Kandy and surrounding areas report cancellations and reduced bookings due to transportation difficulties.
Local communities dependent on daily commuting between Colombo and Kandy are experiencing significant hardships. Students, office workers, and small business owners are particularly affected by the extended travel times required when using alternative routes.
Safety Measures and Ongoing Monitoring
NBRO continues to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the landslide site using advanced geological surveying equipment. Early warning systems have been deployed to detect any signs of further ground movement that could indicate impending additional landslides.
Evacuation protocols remain in place for residents in vulnerable areas adjacent to the landslide site. Local authorities have established temporary shelters and are providing essential services to displaced families while ensuring their safety during the ongoing stabilization efforts.
Weather monitoring has been intensified, with meteorological departments providing regular updates on rainfall predictions that could affect the stability of the already compromised terrain. These forecasts are crucial for determining safe working conditions for recovery operations.
Looking Forward
The Kadugannawa landslide situation underscores the importance of comprehensive geological assessments in infrastructure development and disaster response. NBRO's cautious approach to boulder removal, while potentially extending the road closure period, prioritizes public safety and prevents potentially catastrophic secondary disasters.
As Sri Lanka continues to face challenges related to extreme weather events and geological instability, the expertise provided by organizations like NBRO becomes increasingly valuable in making informed decisions that balance urgent infrastructure needs with long-term safety considerations.