VETIVER GRASS

February 18, 2025

The Himachal Pradesh government has launched a bio-engineering initiative to combat landslides using vetiver grass.
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has launched a pilot project to combat landslides using vetiver grass, in collaboration with the Vetiver Foundation-Climate Resilience and Sustainability Initiatives (CRSI) from Tamil Nadu
The HPSDMA has received 1,000 saplings from CRSI, which have been planted in a nursery at Berti village in Solan
Vetiver’s deep roots, which can grow up to four meters, bind soil and reduce the risk of landslides by preventing soil erosion and slowing water runoff.
Vetiver also absorbs excess water, reducing soil saturation, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution. This initiative aims to protect steep slopes ahead of the 2025 monsoon season.