GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

A GEOLOGICAL REPORT ON LANDSLIDES OCCURRED ON

INDRAKEELADRI HILL, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH
(Field Season 2000-2001)

by

M. Raju
Geologist (Sr.)
Engineering Geology Division
 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

A GEOLOGICAL REPORT ON LANDSLIDES OCCURRED ON

INDRAKEELADRI HILL, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH
(Field Season 2000-2001)

by

M. Raju
Geologist (Sr.)
Engineering Geology Division

CONTENTS

CHAPTERS PARA Nos.

ABSTRACT i & ii

I. INTRODUCTION 1 to 5

II. GEOLOGY AND GEOTECHNICAL DISCUSSION 6 to 14

III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMMENDATIONS 15 to 19

APPENDICES

I. Inspection note to Shri G. S. Murthy, Directro, Geological Survey of India

II. Study note of Shri G. Ramatheertha Rao, Asst. Director of Mines and
Geology, Govt. of A.P., Vijayawada

III. Study note of Shri B.P. Ahuja, Director of Mines Safety, Hyderabad
Region, No. 1, Ministry of Labour, Govt. of Inida, Hyderabad

PLATES

I. Index plan of landslides occurred on Indrakeeladri Hill

II. Geological map around Indrakeeladri Hill

III. Schematic plan and section of landslide occurred at Abhayanjaneya

Swamy Temple on Indrakeeladri Hill.

2
 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

A GEOLOGICAL REPORT ON LANDSLIDES OCCURRED ON

INDRAKEELADRI HILL, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH
(Field Season 2000-2001)

by

M. Raju
Geologist (Sr.)
Engineering Geology Division

ABSTRACT

i) Following reports of landslide occurred on the ghat road leading to the Durga
Malleswara Swamy Temple complex on the Indrakeeladri Hill at
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, the slope stability study of the ghat road was
taken up as an Additional Item. The study delineated the landslide prone
areas along the road. Detailed study was also conducted at the prominent
landslide occurred recently on the road. Further, the area was demarcated
into three zones as per intensity of the problem, such as, Zone-1 being the
least and Zone – III, the maximum affected area. A tentative package of
protective measures was also suggested.

ii) As the demand of the traffic on the ghat road is ever increasing, an
alternative approach to the temple complex is also considered. One more
communication tunnel preferably on the western slope is proposed on the
Indrakeeladri Hill upto the temple complex to cater to the increasing
demands. It is suggested to obtain contour plan of the area to assess the
proposal and to ascertain its technical aspects.

3
 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Grams : GEOSURVEY
Fax : 4220958
Telephone : 4220876
Engineering Geology Division
Southern Region, GSI Complex,
Bandlaguda,
Hyderabad – 500 068

Dt. 23.06.2003
No. 397 / 8/R.P. Cell/ EGD/SR/2002

To
The Director General,
Geological Survey of India,
27, J.L.N. Road,
KOLKATA – 700 016

Sir,
Please find enclosed herewith a report entitled “A Geological report on
Landslides occurred on Indrakeeladri hill, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh” by Sri. M.
Raju, Geologist (Sr.) for field season 2000-01, for your kind information and record.

Kindly acknowledge the receipt of the same.

Yours faithfully,

(A.OMKUMAR)
Geologist (Sr.)
for Director
Encl: As above
No. /8/R.P.Cell/EGD/SR/2002

Copy forwarded for information to:

1. The Deputy director General, Geological Survey of India, SR, Hyderabad-
500068.
2. The Director, Engineering Geology division, Geological Survey of India, SR,
Hyderabad- 500 068.
3. The Librarian, Regional Library, Geological survey of India, CHQ, Kolkata-
700016
4. The Librarian, Regional Library, Regional Library, Geological survey of India,
SR/CR/WR/ER/NER/Training Institute.
5. The Regional Joint Commissioner & Executive Officer, Sri Durga Malleswara
Swamy Varla Devasthanam, Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada – 1
6. The Commissioner, Endowments Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh,
Tilak Road, Boggulakunta, Hyderabad.
7. Sri. M. Raju, Geologist (Sr.) engineering Geology Division, GSI, SR, Hyderabad
– 500 068.
(A.OMKUMAR)
Geologist (Sr.)
for Director

4
 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

A GEOLOGICAL REPORT ON LANDSLIDES OCCURRED ON

INDRAKEELADRI HILL, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH (Field
Season 2000-2001.)

By

M.Raju
Geologist (Sr.)
Engineering Geology Division.

1. INTRODUCTION.

1. The Holy Shrine of the Goddess Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy is located on
the eastern slope of the Indrakeeladri Hill, amidst the thickly populated city of
Vijayawada, located on the left bank of the Krishna river (Plate-1). The hill
slopes along the road cutting leading to the temple complex are vulnerable at
many places, posing serious problems of slope instability and landslides
especially during rainy period.

2. A landslide occurred on the road along cut slopes on the Indrakeeladri Hill on
4th August, 2001 which caused great inconvenience to the road traffic.
Following that, the temple authorities requested the Geological Survey of
India to conduct necessary studies. Accordingly, the studies were conducted at
the site on 13th August, 2001 and again on 27th and 28th August, 2001. Shri
G.S.Murthy, the then Director, Engineering Geology Division, Geological
Survey of India, Hyderabad inspected the site on 27 th and 28th August, 2001
and furnished his suggestions in the form of a study note (Appendix-1)

1. R.V.Chalapathi Rao (1964-65) : A note on the geology of the tunnel alignment

across Indrakeeladri Hill, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
2. R.V.Chalapathi Rao (1964-65) : A note on the geology of the Indrakeeladri
tunnel, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
3. R.V.Chalapathi Rao (1964-65) : An inspection note on the Indrakeeladri
tunnel, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
4. N.B.G.Tilak (1983-84) : Report on the geology of foundations of part
of road bridge across river Krishna at Vijayawada and geomorphological
aspects of the proposed left approach embankment, Andhra Pradesh.

5
3. Previous work: Though the study was a first reference pertaining to the
problem, reports were referred pertaining to geological studies carried out
earlier in the vicinity of the Indrakeeladri Hill on a different contest studies at
Indrakeeladri tunnel (Chalapathi Rao, 123), road bridge across the Krishna at
Vijayawada (Tilak 4) indicate the nature of the geotechnical problems
associated in this area.

4. A preliminary study had been conducted by Shri G.Ramatheertha Rao,

Assistant Director of Mines & Geology, Vijayawada at the vulnerable points
Along the ghat road on the Indrakeeladri Hill (Appendix-II ) Subsequently,
Shri B.P.Ahuja, Director of Mines Safety, Hyderabad Region No.1 Ministry of
Labour, Government of India who conducted studies in the area and furnished
a note is also enclosed for reference (Appendix III).

5. Acknowledgements: The co-operation extended by Shri.E.Gopala Krsiha

Reddy, Regional Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer, Shri
D.Narasimha Raju, Executive Engineer and Shri.U.Abja Rao, Dy.Executive
Engineer and other Devasthanam employees in smooth furtherance of filed
studies is highly acknowledged. The guidance and supervision of Shri
G.S.Murthy, the then Director, Engineering Geology Division, Geological
Survey of India, Hyderabad is also sincerely acknowledged. The author is
thankful to Shri.G.Rajagopalan, Director, Engineering Geology Division, GSI
for scrutiny of the draft report.

II. GEOLOGY AND GEOTECHNICAL DISCUSSION.

6. The Indrakeeladri Hill forms a part of the Eastern Ghats trending in general in
NNE-SSW direction. Khondalite belonging to Eastern Ghat Complex of
Archaean age predominantly occupy the area which is moderately to highly
weathered, foliated and joined. The general trend of foliation is NNE-SSW,
dipping about 60 towards ESE direction. Three prominent sets of joints are
present in the rock information. The regional geology of the area was studied
by J.S.David and S.M.J.Basha of the Geological Survey of India during F.S
199-2000 and the map prepared by them is enclosed for reference (Plate –II).

7. The ghat road connecting NH-9 and the Holy Shrine negotiates a level
difference of about 75 m, within a distance of about 300 m. The road has to
detour along the hill slopes and in the process, the slopes had to be cut to
accommodate necessary width of road. It resulted in slope failures at
vulnerable points. Apart from major slide occurred along the ghat road on 4 th
August, 2001 , it is understood that may slides of smaller magnitude occurred
earlier along the road on several occasions for which piecemeal protective
measures were provided. The present study helped to identify such vulnerable
locations along the ghat road and a comprehensive approach was attempted to
work out suitable protective measures.

6
8. U-turn point near entrance of the ghat road : The hill slopes at the U-turn
point of the ghat road near its entry gate (plate 1) is having a steep cut slope in
rock. The rock formation khondalite here is blocky and jointed. The ree sets
of joints are present in the rock formation. The joints are open as exposed on
hill slope. As a few joints are dipping into slope and joint planes are day
lighted along cut slopes, there is a danger of slides along joint planes.

9. In order to strengthen the slope at this point, it is suggested to I) drive rock

bolts into the rock slope. The rock bolts may be 4m deep into firm rock,
angled 600 from horizontal into hill slope spaced at 2m apart center to center
in staggered fashion, ii) The Hill slopes may be applied with shotcrete after
removal of loose and dislodged rock fragments and surface soil cover.

10. Hill slope over Abhayajaneya Swamy Temple : It is an important portion of

the hill slope, which requires immediate attention. A landside occurred in the
area on 4th August, 2001, in which it was reported that about 400 cum of rock
mass has slided and blocked the passage on the Ghat Road, causing great
inconvenience to the traffic.

11. Detailed study of the area indicates that the vulnerable reach is a landslide,
extends for about 30m length along the road and to a height of about 24m
(Plate-III). The rock formation khondalite is weathered in the reach with three
sets of close spaced joints. A weathered clay seam which turned more clayey
is also present within the weathered khondalite extending in N-S direction and
dip about 550 towards easterly direction, i.e into the hill. A few joints trending
in N100 W-S100 E direction, dip about 600 towards S600 W direction , i.e.
along the slope. The failure of slope in the area occurred along the joints
when the rock mass was in saturated condition during rainy period. Within the
landslide occurred, a prominent under cut developed along the slope within
the weathered khondalite because of which the frequent failure of slope
persisted for may days. As steep slope has attained in the area because of the
frequent failures besides the rock is highly weathered because of presence of
flaky minerals along joint planes, it is opined that if the protection measures
of the slope are not properly attended, further slides in the area cannot be
ruled out.

12. In view of the importance of the ghat road, comprehensive measures are
suggested. The slopes are to be eased especially, at higher level suitable
berms are to be provided. A toe wall may be provided along the toe portion of
the slide, preferably at road level. While easing the slope, lower portion of the
slide need not be disturbed and only the upper portion may be eased off as
tentatively indicated in Plate –III. Then prestressed anchors may be driven
into firm rock in grid pattern Shotcreate has to be applied over the rock
surface and weep holes are to be provided in the slope. Stream course present
at higher level has to be diverted away from the effected Zone.

7
13. Slope near Om turning :- Steep slopes are present near Om turning, above
the tourist bus stand near Asoka Pillar. The slope at higher elevation is along
steep joints present in the rock formation. Slopes at lower level are covered
with thick debris material. It is understood that the Devasthanam authorities
prepared a tentative proposal for protecting the area. The proposal suggests
construction of masonry retaining walls on firm rock along slope by providing
suitable terms at four levels. The rock slopes will be tied with suitable anchor
rods driven into bedrock. Shotcreate will be applied on the entire rock surface
along the slopes with provision for natural drainage in the form of weep holes
or windows left. The proposal is considered suitable to strengthen the slopes.

14. Uphill parking area : In order to accommodate parking space near temple
complex on the Indrakeeladri Hill, hill slopes were excavated and the space
adjacent to the ghat road was widened. Part of the slope was protected with a
retaining wall. Further, it was suggested to remove the loosened rock blocks
and to drive rock bolts into the hill slope for a maximum depth of 4m into
rock. The rock bolts may be spaced at 2m apart center to center in staggered
fashion. Shortcreting over the rock surface along the hill slope will further
strengthen the slope.

15. Discussion : As assessment of the area has been made in general taking into
consideration of the pt slides as well as slides occurred in the past. The area
can be divided onto three zones as per the intensity of the problem, namely,
Zone-1, which require no treatment, Zone-II require minimum treatment and
Zone-III where the slopes require elaborate treatment. The area falling in
Zone-I is the proper temple complex upto the taxi stand on the hill where no
prominent vulnerable zones were identified and immediate slope protection
measures were not warranted. The area falling in Zone-II is from the taxi
stand in the North to Om turning in the south. Joints trending in N 60 0 W-S600
E has important role in Zone-II where the trend of joints is parallel to the road
alignment. Rest of the area from the Om turning to the entry gate of the ghat
road falls in Zone-III. In this category, steep slopes area developed along the
steep dipping joints which are exposed along the road cutting. These slopes
are vulnerable to further failures. The proposal of construction of stage-wise
retaining walls, driving anchor rods into rocky slopes etc., are adequate to
stabilise the slopes, especially, in the immediate vicinity of Abhayanjaneya
Swamy Temple, easing of slopes, providing berms in slopes, driving anchor
rods besides providing drainage arrangements is suggested.

8
 16. Alternative passage to the temple complex : It is reported that about sixty
thousand pilgrims per day pass through the ghat road to the temple during
festival season and the traffic is being increased many times very fast. The
only narrow ghtat raod leading to the temple complex is obviously not
adequate to meet the increasing traffic requirements. Hence, an additional
approach to the temple complex will be certainly beneficial. In this regard,
studies were oriented all around the Indrakeeladri Hill. Particularly, the
western slope of the Indirakeeladri Hill was examined where4 there is a
possibility of having communication tunneled from the temple complex to the
road on western slope of the hill. In order to arrive at an apt decision, it is
suggested to get prepared a contour plan of the Indrakeeladri Hill and its
surroundings on 1:10,000 scale from survey of India. In this connection, it is
to be mentioned here that a communication tunnel is already existing in the
northern end of the Indrakeeladri Hill, which is through the similar rock
formation, khondalite along back.

III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

17. The ghat road leading to the temple complex on the Indrakeeladri Hill is
vulnerable to landslides at many places, especially, during rainy period. The study
identified landslide prone areas along the road. As per stability point of view, the
entire area is broadly demarcated into three zones.
18. Zone-1 falls in the proper temple complex area, which require treatment measures.
19. Zone-II is the area between the taxi stand in the North and Om turning in the
South. The area require moderate treatment measures, such as constructing stage-
wise masonry retaining walls, driving rock bolts into firm rock and to apply
shotcrete on rock surface with provision for drainage of the hill mass.
20. Zone-III is the rest of area which falls between Om turning in the north and entry
gate of ghat road in the south. The area require elaborate treatment such as, easing
of slopes, providing suitable berms at higher level driving rock bolts into rock, to
apply shotcrete on rock surface and to provide proper drainage arrangements on
slopes etc.
21. An additional approach to the temple complex preferably on western slope of the
hill be excavating a tunnel also considered. In order to have a detailed study of the
proposal, it is suggested to get prepared a contour plan of the Indrakeeladri Hill
and its surroundings on 1:10,000 scale. A critical evaluation of the proposal can
be made depending upon the topographical conditions followed by detailed
ground studies.

9
 APPENDIX –1

Grams :
GEOSURVEY
Fax : 4220958
Telephone : 4220876

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Engineering Geology Division
Southern Region, GSI Complex,
Bandlaguda,
Hyderabad – 500 068

Dt. 21.09.2001
No._______

To

Sri. E. Gopala Krishna Reddy

Regional Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer
Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam
Indrakeeladri
VIJAYAWADA- 520 001

SUB: Inspection Note on Landslides – Reg.

Sir,
Please find enclosed herewith my Inspection Note entitled “AN INSPECTION
NOTE ON THE LANDSIDES OCCURRED ONTEH EASTERN SLOPES OF
INDRAKEELADRI HILL, SRI DURGA MALLESWARA SWAMY VARLA
DEVASTHANAM, VIJAYAWADA ANDHRA PRADESH” for your kind
information and necessary action.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(G.S. MURTHY)
Director

Encl: As above

Copy forwarded for information and necessary action to:

1. Shri D. Narasimha Raju, Executive Engineer, Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy
Varla Devasthanam, Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada 520 001
2. Shri. M. Raja, Geologist(Sr.). E.G. Division, Geological Survey of India, SR.
Hyderabad
Sd/-
Director

10
 GEOGLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

AN INSPECTION NOTE ON THE LANDSLIDES OCCURRED ON THE

EASTERN SLOPES OF INDRAKEELADRI HILL, SRI DURGA
MALLESWARA SWAMY VARLA DEVASTHANAM AT VIJAYAWADA,
ANDHRA PRADESH

By

G.S. Murthy
Director

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY DIVISION

The rock slides obstructing the vehicular traffic occurred along the road
leading to Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam have been inspected on
27th and 28th August, 2001 in the company of S/Shri E. Gopala Krishna Reddy ,
Regional Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer and Shri D. Narasimha Raju,
Executive engineer of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple, Vijayawada. Shri M.
Raja, Geologist (Sr.) has accompanied me during the inspection.

Moderately to highly weathered khondalite capped by thin cover of soil is

exposed in the cuttings of the eastern slopes of Indrakeeladri hill which is trending in
almost N-S. It is reported that on 4th August, 2001, an amount of 400 cum of rock
has slipped which has severely obstructed the vehicular traffic. The debris consists
of weathered and loose khondalite. Prior to this also slides were reported in
November, 1999 probably in a minor scale. The strike of foliation of the khondalite
is NNE-SSW and the dip is about 60 0 towards ESE. It is cut up by two sets of joints
namely,

i) N100W – S100E dipping 600 towards ESE

ii) N600W – S600E dipping 550 towards SW, becoming vertical at places

Slides were reported earlier at different locations namely the tourist bus stop
and eastern slopes of Om turning. An assessment of the area has been made in
general taking into consideration of the present slides as well as slides occurred in the
past. The area can be divided into three zones namely Zone No. 1 which require no
treatment, Zone No. II which require treatment and Zone No. III where the slopes
require elaborate treatment. The area which falls in Zone No. II is from the taxi stand
in north to Om turning in the south and the rest of the area upto about 100m south of
Abhayanjaneya Swamy Temple where there is a turning falls in Zone III.

The second set of joints i.e., N60 0- S600E joints play a vital role in Zone II
where the trend of the joints is almost parallel to the raod. Although major slips have
not taken place, there is a likelihood of major slips in the area in the times to come.
The project authorities have, however, planned for an elaborate treatment, such as
provision of construction retaining walls stage-wise, followed by anchoring in the
immediate south of Om turning and almost in the nala portion. Although the
treatment appears to be a little bit on the conservative side, in view of the importance

11
attached to this road it looks alright. However, there are practical problems in driving
the anchors. In the rest of the area in Zone II it is suggested to carry out wire mesh-
grunting leaving strips for drainage.

The N100W-S100E joint played a major role in the huge rock slip of about 100
cum. When it occurred in the immediate vicinity of the Abhayanjaneya Swamy
Temple. The trend of the joint is almost parallel to sub-parallel to the road section.
Weathering the presence of the flaky minerals sillimanite and weathered garnet
present in the joint planes have induced the slide. An examination of the area
indicates that such slides in future cannot be ruled out. As such, it is recommenced
that prestressed anchoring taking the rock mass which is likely to slide may be carried
out, in view of the fact that this road forms the vital link between the temple and the
city.

An inspection of the area adjacent to the tourist bus stand which almost
appears to be on the downstream of the Om turning has indicated that the road at the
Om turning is being formed by constructing a retaining wall and the space between
the wall and the hill is filled with rock debris. There is a proposal to construct a lift
adjacent to the Ashoka Pillar in the bus stand. The area between the tourist bust stand
in the east and Om turning in the west appears to be an old slide. As such prior to the
construction of the lift, the geological assessment of the area may have to be carried
out primarily to examine the feasibility of the location of the site and secondarily the
possibility of further rock slips and if so the treatment measures to be adopted.

The pilgrim traffic of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam is

ever increasing and it is expected that the traffic may be doubled if not more in the
coming decade. Therefore, the construction of another road/communication route to
the temple appears to be a must. With this in view the western slopes of the
Indrakeeladri hill were examined where there is a possibility for a communication
tunnel from the temple to the west road. To have an accurate idea and to come to any
meaningful conclusion, it is requested that a detailed topographic idea and to come to
any meaningful conclusion, it is requested that a detailed topographic contour map on
1:10,000 scale may be got prepared by Survey of India for evaluation and critical
examination. In this connection, it is to be mentioned here that already one
communication tunnel is existing in the northern end of Indrakeeladri Hill, which was
also driven through the Khondalite.

12
 APPENDIX – II
GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND GEOLOGY

Lr. No. 3162/8/97 Dated:17.11.99

From: To:

G. Ramatheertha Rao, M.Sc., The Sub-Collector

DPA(PG)
Assistant Director of Mines and Geology VIJAYAWADA
VIJAYAWADA-4

Sir,

Sub: Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam – Vijayawada- Removal of

dangerous hill portions along the Ghat Road leading to Durga Temple – Regarding.
Ref: 1. Lr. No. RTC 7545/99, dt. 21.10.99 of the District Collector, Krishna
addressed to the Sub-Collector, Vijayawada under copy marked to this office.

I invite your kind attention to the subject and reference cited and submit that in
obedience to the discussions had with the Sub-Collector, Vijayawada at his Chambers
on 15.11.99, I have inspected the dangerous areas of Indrakeeladri Hill, Vijayawada
City on 16.11.99. The following officials of the Devasthanam have accompanied me
and shown the danger prone areas:

1. Shri E. Gopala Krishna Reddy, Executive Officer

2. Shri D. Narasimha Raju, Executive Engineer
3. Shri U. Abja Rao, Dy. Executive Engineer

In this connection, it is to submit that the Executive Officer has informed that
the entire hill area including the Ghat Road is under the purview of Forest Department
Geologically, Indrakeeladri Hill is formed a part of Eastern Ghats, consists of
Khondalite suite of metamorphic rocks, which belongs to week clan in with-holding
from weathering unused by Geological Agents such as Rain Fall, wind, etc., The two
main Geological constituents of this rock suite i.e, quartz and feldspar, are of
divergent characteristics. The former is silica rich and rigid for alternation, whereas
the later is alumina rich and alters easily into clayee material due to leading of certain
elements such as Fe, etc.,

Further most of the hillock along the Ghat Road is in precarious condition and
the continuous pour down of loose material may cause sudden collapse of huge
boulders which are loosely connected in the original matrix. At many places
alteration of Khondalite rock is resulted in formation of clay pokets aggravating the
fall of loose boulders and in turn endangering the situation. The following are the
important danger prone areas notices along the Ghat Road during the course of
inspection.

13
 1. Vehicles Parking Place
2. Tourist Bus Stop adjacent to the NH-9
3. ‘OM’ Turning
4. Municipal Water Tank Area
5. Toll Gate Area
6. Sri Abhayanjaneya Swamy Temple Area
7. 1st turning of Ghat Road near Guest House(Hair Pin Bend)

Further, it is submitted that the overall situation is dangerous and requires

immediate precautionary measures by both the temple as well as Municipal
authorities. However, forest clearance is a pre-requisite as per the Forest
Conservation Act, 1980. Further intimation of precautionary measures needs skillful
approach under the direct supervision of technically qualified personnel such as
Mines Safety Authorities as this Department do not possess either the Technical
know-how or the personnel. In the meantime the Temple Authorities may take up
preliminary steps such as Cementing of Clay Pockets, safe removal of dangerous
boulders by allowing pocket mining etc., after having consulted with the Forest
Departmetn as well as Municipal Authorities.

In view of the above, it is to submit that the matter may be referred to the
Mines Safety Authorities for safe and skillful removal of the dangerous boulders in
consultation with forest as well as Municipal Corporation Authorities at the earliest
in the public interest.

I submit herewith the detailed inspection report for kind information and
further necessary action in the matter.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MINES AND

GEOLOGY, VIJAYAWADA

Encl: As above

Copy submitted to the district Collector, Krishna for favour of kind information and
necessary action
Copy submitted to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation for favour of kind
information and necessary action
Copy submitted to the Director of Mines and Geology, Hyderabad for favour of kind
information and necessary action
Copy submitted to the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology, Kakinada for favour of
kind information and necessary action
Copy to the Divisional Forest Officer, Vijayawada for favour of information and
necessary action
Copy submitted to the Executive Officer, SDMS Devasthanam, Indrakeeladri,
Vijayawada for favour of information and necessary action

14
 INSPECTION AND ENQUIRY REPORT.

In obedience to the discussions had with the Sub-Collector, Vijayawada on

15.11.99 at his chambers, I have inspected the danger prone areas reported by the
Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam, Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada on 16.11.99.Shri
E.Gopala Krishna Reddy, Executive Officer, Shri.D.Narashimha Raju, Executive
Engineer and Shri.U.Abja Rao, Deputy Executive Engineer have accompanied me
and shown the areas. At the outset, the Executive Officer has informed that the entire
hill area including the Ghat Road is under the purview of Forest Department.
The hill Indrakeeladri is well noted for the Diety Sri Kanaka Durga Temple
and many a number of (people) devotees used to make pilgrimage every day
Geologically, the hill is formed, a part of Eastern Ghats, consists of Khondalite suite
of metamorphic rock, which belongs to weak clan in with-holding from weathering
caused by Geological Agents such as rain fall, wind, etc. The main geological
constituents of this rock are quartz and feldspar. The former is silica rich and rigid for
alteration, where as the later is alumina rich which alters easily into clayee material
due to leading of certain elements such as Fe, etc. The general trend of the hill in
North-East/South West.
Most of the hillock along the Ghat Road is in precarious condition and the
continuous pour down of loose material may cause sudden collapse of huge boulders
which are loosely cemented in the original matrix. At many places alteration of
Khondalite is resulted in formation of clay pockets which may dissolve in rain water
leaving the hard silica content with loose cementation aggravating the fall of loose
boulders and in turn endangering the situation.

The following are the important places inspected as shown by the temple
Authorities :

1. Vehicles Parking Place : As stated by the Temple authorities, a shopping

complex is proposed for construction in the area. Multiple vertical cracks and
horizontal planes are noticed that this is due to indiscriminate widening of the
Ghat Road. As such, there is every change for fall of boulders along the planes
and crakes right on to the parking place during the rainy season. Further
widening if any undertaken may be along the planes and crakes duly cementing
the clay pockets to avoid endanger.

2. Tourist Bus stop adjacent to the NH-9 : The Ghat Raod becomes very narrow
right on the top of the Tourist Bust parking place adjacent to the NH-9 near toll
Gate. The Ghat Road is about 60 to 70 ft height to the parking place. The flant of
the hill adjacent to the Ghat Road is highly disturbed with multiple planes and
craks. The General Trend of the planes is observed to be Fast West huge boulders
are observed to be almost in hanging position at about 50 ft height from the Ghat
Road Alteration of Khondalite suite into Clay Pockets by way are leaching unused
loose cementation of huge boulders and these may, in case of heavy rains, fall right
on the Ghat Road and in turn on to the parking place of Tourist Buses causing
havoc to human lives and property. If the severity of the
collapse is increased, there may be possibility of damage even to the NH-9.

3. “OM” Turning : Here the Ghat Road is very narrow bounded by the hill flank on
side and a large piece of hillrock on the other side, i.e., towards NH-9 side. Some

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 of the loose boulders of this piece are ready to fall right on to the construction of
the drinking water scheme situated near Toll Gate. The hill piece is highly
weathered with multiple cracks. Similarly on the other side of the hill flank, a huge
boulder is completely detached and is almost in hanging position and it deserves
immediate sage removal in order to avoid severe havoc to the Temple’s Choultry
and its inmates.

4. Municipal water Tank Area : The hill flank in this area is highly weathered and
formed into almost loose clayee material due to the alterations of main constituents
of the rock. This may cause the slippage of boulders rested on this material to fall
right on the Ghat Raod and in turn on to the Municipal Water Tank.

5. Toll Gate Area : One huge rock mass, having multiple cracks in all directions is
situated right on the top of the Toll Gate and adjacent to the Ghat Road. This may
collapse at any time causing danger to the Toll Gate and other connected
constructions.

6. Sri Abhayanjaneya Swamy Temple Area : At about 30 ft. height to Sri

Abhayanjaneya Swamy Temple, i.e., opposite to the temple’s Guest House, the hill
flank, which is consisted of a Pegmatite Vein, is completely weathered due to
alteration and formed into clayee material and a big cavity is formed due to the
continuous pour down of the loose clayee material. Huge boulders are hanging on
this loose material hiding severe havoc behind them. The Devasthanam Authorities
have stated that previously a Mantapam, which was constructed near the
Abhbayanjaneaya Swamy Temple has been collapsed due to the slippage of huge
boulder.
7. 1st Turing of Ghat Raod near Guest House (Hari pin Bend) : The hill flank
adjacent to this area is highly weathered with multiple cracks in all directions further
many country trees have observed to be grownup in this area penetrating their roots
into the hill flank leaving room for widening the cracks.
The hill flank on the SI No 4 to 7 above is formed of a huge pegmative vein
intruded into the country rock of Khondalite. The same is highly weathred when
compared with that of the Kondalite rock of other areas. Further the hill flank adjacent
to the Ghat Raod along all the way to the Vehicles parking place is not properly
cemented and smoothened. Further indiserminate widening of Ghat Raod in an
unskilled manner also left its impressions at instances. The overall situation is
dangerous which requires immediate precautionary measures by both the clearance
from the Forest Department is a pre-requisite. Further, initiation of
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES NEEDS SKILLFUL APPROACH under the direct
supervision of Technically qualified personnel, such as Mines Safety Authorities, In
the meantime, the Temple Authorities may take up preliminary steps such as
cementing of Clay Pockets, safe removal of endangering boulders by allowing Pocket,
safe removal of endangering boulders by allowing pocket Mining, etc., after
consultation with the Forest Department as well as Municipal Authorities.

Sd/-
(G.RAMATHEERTHA RAO)
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MINES & GEOLOGY
VIJAYAWADA.

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Tel. No. 4058445

Bharat Sarkat/Govt. of India

Shram Mantralaya/ Ministry of Labour
Khan Suraksha Mahamdeshdaya
Directorate-General of Mines Safety
Hyderabad kshetra/Region No.1

No. HA/Endow. 2000/2170 Hyderabad, dated the 16th Sept., 2000

From:
The Director of Mines Safety
Hyderabad Region No. 1
16-11-511/D221, Salivahananagar,
Moosarmbagh, Dilsukhnagar,
Hyderabad- 500 036

To:

Shri S.M. Balasubrahmanyam, IAS.,

Commissioner
Endowments Department
Government of Andhra Pradesh

Sub: Removal of dangerous loose boulders on Indrakeeladri Hill along the Ghat
Road leading to Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam.

Sir,
Please refer to your letter No. 3(02)/40861/2000 dt. 21.8.2000 on the above
subject Dy. Director of Mines Safety, Hyderabad Region No. 1 had accordingly
inspected the area of Indrakeeladri hill along the Ghat Road on 4.9.2000. His
observations are as under.

1. HAIR PIN TURN

At this area a highwall of about 10 to 12m height existed on the left side of the
ghat road leading to the temple. The rock was highly jointed. There were two
sets of distinct joint planes perpendicular to each other and one set being about 50
to 60 Degrees from horizontal. The infilling material along the joint planes was
feldspar, which was very soft and weak. There were many loose boulders,
separated from the main rock mass, which may fall any time. These loose
boulders/rocks require dressing down thoroughly from top using long
buntons/poles from a safe distance. After dressing down the loose boulders, the
rest of the rock mass is required to be stabilized by covering the area with wire

2. NEAR ANJANEYA SWAMY TEMPLE.

Near Abhayanjaneya Swamy Temple a slide along the hillock was noticed to a
depth of about 2 to 3 m for a length of about 50m. In this area, the joint planes Were

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found near vertical. However, this rock mass being a phylitic origin, was soft in
nature. It was told that, in recent rains about 10 cum of material had fallen down from
the slope of the hill.

This part of overhand of hillock was to be removed by blasting from top. The
slope of the hillock along the ghat road at this place shall be maintained at an
angle of 60 degrees to horizontal to avoid any falls further. After rectifying this
the slope of the hill should be wire-meshed as detailed below.

3. NEAR ASHOKA PILLAR.

In this area, a huge mass of rock measuring about 8-10 cum was found
hanging almost vertically from the hillock from a height of about 25 meters. This
rock mass was separated from the hillock by a vertical joint plane which was
opening up making this rock mass hanging loose there form. The gap between the
separated rock mass and the hillock could be easily seen from a distance. There is
every possibility that this rock mass may dislodge at any time posing immediate
and urgent danger to the vehicular traffic on the Ghat Road on the NH-5 besides
the Tourist Bus Station and also the lives of pilgrims visiting the temple.

This portion of hanging rock mass is immediately required to be brought down

to prevent disaster at any time. Bringing down this rock mass is a very dangerous
and risky operation which involves stoppage of vehicular traffic on the ghat road
and NH-5, evacuation of persons in the vicinity etc. This work requires engaging
an agency specializing in this field i.e., Border Roads Organisation, Roads and
Brides Department of the Government Civil construction contractors of repute
like L & T Cemindia etc.

Although the temple authorities reported that this rock mass was found
hanging for the last 30 years. But it is opined that there is a possibility that it may
fall at any time its plane was found to be dangerously separated.

It is advisable to regulate stop the vehicular traffic and persons traveling along
this ghat road till the danger is removed.

4. Further moving towards the temple on the Ghat Road, the hill rock was cut and the
road was widened. While cutting the hill rock the slope angle of the hill rock was
not maintained at an angle of safety. In this area also, overhangs were found.
This part of the hillock was found with number of joint planes at an angle of 40
Deg. From horizontal and these joint planes were interested by another set of
vertical joint planes. Because of the intersection of the joint planes, many
boulders has formed and were just holding on the slope of the hillock. These
boulders may slide down at any time. The slope of hillock is to be rectified and
maintained at an angle of 60 Deg.

5. Behind shopping complex also, the hillock was found with number of horizontal
and vertical joints. Though slope angle of side was found 45 deg. The sloping
face shall be stabilized by rock bolts. So that rock does not fall down.

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6. Above Subramanyaswamy Temple also the rocks were found with joint of 40 Deg
from Horizontal. At some places there were falls. This area shall be supported
with rock bolting with wire mesh.

Since the Indrakeeladri Hill Ghat Road leading to Kanaka durga Temple is in very
dangerous condition, it is advisible to regulate/stop the pilgrims to travel on this
Ghat Road. The rectification of the danger is a highly skilled job requiring
constant supervision. You are advised to contact any of the Organisations named
above to take up the rectification work at the earliest.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-
(B.P. Ahuja)
Director of Mines Safety
Hyderabad Region No.1

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