Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence signed a framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to strengthen collaboration in the field of technical exchange and co-operation on sustainable geo-hazard management.

The official release said that it has been agreed that MoRTH and DRDO will cooperate in the areas of mutual benefit including, conceptual planning of integrated avalanche/landslide protection schemes for all-weather connectivity in snowbound areas of our country including pre-feasibility of tunnels and viaducts, planning and designing of various avalanche/landslide control structures, association in preparation of proposals, DPRs for tunnels including geological, geotechnical and terrain modeling and other related aspects of tunnels, etc. This initiative will ensure the safety of road users on NHs in the country against the adverse effects of landslides and other natural calamities.

The MoU was signed by Secretary MoRTH Giridhar Aramane and Secretary DRDO Dr. Satieesh Reddy.

DRDO is an apex organization of our country working on various cutting edge technologies. Defense Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE), a premier laboratory of DRDO, is a leader in the development of critical technologies for enhancing combat effectiveness with a focus on terrain and avalanches. The role and charter of this establishment is mapping, forecasting, monitoring, control, and mitigation of landslides and avalanches in Himalayan terrain.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India is responsible for the development & maintenance of National Highways across the country. It has been agreed by both the organizations to utilize the expertise of DRDO (through DGRE) in providing sustainable mitigation measures to damages caused by landslides, avalanche, and other natural factors on various National Highways in the Country. The areas of collaboration are as under:

Detailed investigation of the existing critical avalanches/geo hazards such as landslides, slope instability, sinking problems, etc.

Planning, designing, and formulation of sustainable mitigation measures for geo-hazards for NHs including tunnels.

Supervision or monitoring during the implementation of the mitigation measures.
Any other services, as may be required.