NIRM Studying Stability of Indrakeeladri Hill Ahead of Developing the Durga Temple
Experts assess safety of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple amid rockfall concerns
Vijayawada: A technical team from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, has on Friday started a comprehensive scientific study of the stability of the Indrakeeladri Hill on which the famed Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple in Vijayawada is located.
According to officials, the study will use advanced technologies to identify the vulnerable zones from where rocks are getting dislodge frequently, assess the extent of stable rock formations, and analyse areas weakened by soil-rock mixtures.
The team of experts, led by noted scientist Prasanna Jain, arrived at the temple premises in the morning. The team members held discussions on their scope of study with Temple Executive Officer (EO) Seena Naik. The team submitted to the EO a list outlining arrangements required for detailed field inspections.
Further, the team will evaluate the geological feasibility for construction of the proposed “Pashupataalayam” as well as laying a second ghat road.
The scientific study, conducted with state-of-the-art equipment, will be in alignment with the temple’s master plan, prioritising the safety of devotees. The team will carry out rock mass characterisation, slope stability analysis, and load testing to determine whether the hill can safely support the proposed large-scale structures. Experts will recommend measures, such as protective retaining walls and rock bolting to mitigate the risk of landslides, while also ensuring ecological balance through sustainable interventions.
NIRM is a premier research institution in India specialising in rock mechanics for mining, civil engineering and infrastructure purposes. It employs cutting-edge techniques, like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to assess subsurface composition without excavation. Its micro-seismic monitoring can detect even minor vibrations that could signal future risks.
Temple authorities said the NIRM report will serve as a blueprint for long-term safety and development of the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple.
Technical advisor Subrahmanyam, deputy executive engineer Ashok Kumar and other officials accompanied the visiting team.
