Dwivedi et al.

, 2007 UNSAT-ASIA, Beijing, China

SLOPE STABILITY OF THE PAWATI LANDSLIDE, DOLKHA DISTRICT, CENTRAL

NEPAL
Sunil Kumar Dwivedi1, Shreekamal Dwivedi2 & Ganesh Raj Joshi1
1
) Faculty of science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
2
) Department of Water Induced Disaster Prevention, Lalitpur, Nepal

Abstract: Pawati landslide located at the right bank of Tamakoshi River in the Dolkha district of central
Nepal is used as a case study interpreted based on geologic and geomorphologic observations. The study area
falls in the Lesser Himalayan belt of central Nepal. This landslide has been common threat to the local
people causing severe damage to the houses and cultivated land. In the area, the fragile quaternary top soil
overlying the augen gneiss complex permits precipitation to infiltrate making a pearched water table that
causes instability of the landslide. A detailed study of the landslide was carried out in the field as well as
slope stability analysis to assess the causes and mechanism of failure. The field assessment and safety factor
analysis revealed the Pawati landslide to be unstable especially during monsoon period. The details of the
analysis as well as possible cost effective mitigation measures such as gulley protection and bio-engineering
works which are urgently needed are discussed in the paper.

1. INTRODUCTION
Nepal is located in the heart of the Himalayan
arc and occupies nearly one third of the main
mountain range. About 83 % of the country is
mountainous terrain, and remaining 17 % in the
south Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Terai. Owing to the
rugged mountain topography, complex and fragile
nature of the geological structures resulting from
tectonic movement and the intensive rainfall during
every monsoon season, serious landslides have
occurred frequently in Nepal. In addition to the
importance of these landslides for infrastructures
and properties, they have had a marked effect on
the lives of local people and been a cause of many Figure 1. Location of the Pawati landslide in
socio-economic problems including deforestation central Nepal.
and intensive agricultural practices etc. The rapidly
increasing construction of infrastructures, such as
roads, irrigation canals and dams, without due 2. STUDY AREA
consideration given to natural hazards, is The Pawati landslide is situated at Pawati VDC,
contributing considerably to triggering landslides. between 27º35'00"N to 27º38'10"N Latitude and
Though landslides and related disasters occur 86º02'30"E to 86º05'00"E Longitude and about
frequently in the fragile and young Himalayan 110Km south-east from the capital city Kathmandu
region of Nepal, only a few and widely scattered (Fig.1). The landslide is located at the right bank of
studies has been carried out so far (Deoja, et al., Tamakoshi River along the course of Kabhre
1991; Koirala, 1993; Shrestha, 1994; Uperti, and stream and Dhamile stream. The elevation of the
Dhital, 1996; Humagain, 2000; Weidinger, and area ranges between 800m to 1200m from mean
Schramm, 1995 etc.). In this context, an attempt sea level whereas slope varies from 150 to 250. The
has been made to understand the stability of the aspect of the landslide is towards East. The area
Pawati landslide that is considered as being falls in the Lesser Himalayan Belt of central Nepal.
representative of a common soil slope stability
problem in the Himalayan conditions.

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Figure 2. Geological map of the study area.
Figure 3. A detailed view of the scarp observed
on right flank of the landslide (View towards NE).
Figure 4. View of the main scarp observed at the
crown of the landslide (View towards NE).
At present time, the landslide is about 550 m in
length, with total area of around 180000 m2 that
begins at a height of 1100 m above m.s.l. near
narrow ridge. Its lower boundary coincides with the
river bed of Tamakoshi river, along which the main
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body of the landslide has been canalised by Kabhre
and Dhamile stream and causing total damming of
the river bed.
3. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF WORK
The objective of the present study is to carry out
geological and geomorphic study of the Pawati
landslide and its slope stability analysis. In general,
the objectives are to:
• Observe the landslide, land use pattern, prepare
photographic documentation and the index map.
• Carry out geological, engineering geology and
geomorphic study of the landslide.
• Perform suitable stability analysis of the landslide.
• Suggest possible low cost mitigation measures
and provide appropriate recommendations for the
counter measures.
4. GEOLOGY OF THE STUDY AREA
The study area lies in the Lesser Himalayan zone
of central Nepal, where the zone is occupied by an
extensive crystalline thrust sheet that has travelled
southward at least 100 km and reaches close to the
Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) (Stocklin, 1980).
Geologically, three rock Formations are found in
the area: Kuncha Formation, Robang Formation
and Ulleri Augen gneiss zone (Stocklin and
Bhattarai, 1977, Stocklin, 1980) (Fig.2). The
Kuncha Formation consists of phyllite, schist,
metasandstone, and quartzite while Robang
Formation consists of Dunga Quartzite. The Ulleri
Augen gneiss zone, on the other hand, is
represented by augen gneiss, mica gneiss, banded
gneiss and schistose gneiss. The augen gneiss is
fractured, jointed and moderately weathered. The
Pawati landslide lies in the soft soil cover over the
Ulleri Augen gneiss zone. Structurally the area
includes the E-W running Jiri Syncline with the
complementary Dolkha anticline and Khimti
anticline. The rocks of the area are characterized by
complex metamorphism and intense deformation.
5. PAWATI LANDSLIDE
The Pawati landslide presumably began in the
70s as can be deduced from a close examination of
aerial photos, belonging to the region, in which the
morphological features are already obvious. More
than 250 houses in the periphery of the landslide
are still in danger. It accelerated sharply, 35-40
houses have been already displaced from the
 Dwivedi et al., 2007
landslide zone and about 10-12 family have been
migrated. After 1999 landslide has led to the
retrogression and widening of the main scarp
(Fig.3).
Figure 5. Debris deposits and scarps observed at
the toe of the landslide (View towards NE).
Figure 6. Cultivated land observed at the main
body of the landslide (View towards E).
Figure 7. Photograph showing rock outcrop
(augen gneiss) at the foot of the landslide (View
towards SW).
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Damage made by Pawati landslide:
• Wash away of fertile arable land.
• Damage of houses situated at the sliding zone and
nearby the scarps of the landslide.
Symptoms for future movement
• Intense seepage at different parts of the slide.
• Thick and loose alluvial soil in the middle and
upper slope.
• Sparse vegetation and absence of bed rock.
• Presence of tension cracks.
• Cultivated land within the sliding part (Fig.6).
• No provision for countermeasures and lack of
knowledge about the landslide.
6. GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
Geologically the Pawati landslide is located in
the soft soil cover over the Ulleri Augen gneiss
zone. According to the Varnes classification
system, Pawati landslide falls in the category of
rotational slide (Fig. 8). The field observation
clearly shows three levels of alluvial terraces of
Tamakoshi River over the sliding zone. The upper
slope consists of a thick layer of alluvial soil where
the cultivation is dominant. High monsoon rainfall
in combination with slope and soft soil cover has
made it highly susceptible to failure. Slope failure
was initially triggered in the uppermost part of
slide (Fig. 4) then seepage give rise to slide the
whole soil mass in the form of rotational slide. Due
to steep slope, debris deposits are formed at the
foot of the slide (Fig. 5) forming deep gullies and
tension cracks. Debris deposits consist of varying
size of pebble cobble and boulders of which
cobbles and boulders are made up of the augen
gneiss and quartzite with rock fragments. Some
boulders are up to 5-7 m in diameter. The attitude
of the bedding plane and joint plane of augen
gneiss at toe part of the slide (Fig. 7) is given as
below:
Figure 8. Classification of Pawati landslide
according to Varnes (1978).
 Dwivedi et al., 2007 UNSAT-ASIA, Beijing, China

Bedding plane: 200/2800 (Dip/Dip dir) geometry of the landslide movement (Fig.10).
Joint plane (J1): 600/0200 Hence, it is evident that Pawati landslide is
Joint plane (J2): 200/1880 rotational soil slide, failure surface of which is over
From the aforementioned studies salient features the soft soil sediments and is expected to lie
of the Pawati landslide has been summarized beneath 20-30 m from the ground surface. The
(Table 1). stability of a finite slope of the Pawati landslide is
investigated by most widely used methods of
Table 1. Salient features of the Pawati landslide. analysis: Swedish circular method or method of
Length 550 m slices, Bishop's method and Fellenius method.
Width 250 m
Area 0.18 sq. km
Depth of failure 20-30 m
Aspect East
Slope angle 150 to 250
Rock Type Augen gneiss
Soil Type Alluvial and colluvial soil
Type of Failure Rotational
Mechanism of Failure Shear failure
Activity Active
Landuse cultivated land and sparse
vegetation

7. STABILITY ANALYSIS OF
PAWATI LANDSLIDE Figure 9. Stability analysis of a rotational failure.
In the mountainous areas, it is rarely possible to
find slope with soil of an infinite depth. Bedrocks
are mostly encountered within few meters of
residual or colluvial soil. For the purpose of slope
stability analysis, all slopes whose stability is
governed by failure of the soil mass overlying the
bedrock should be treated with soil slope stability
analysis. A more common problem is the one in
which the failure occur on curved surface (Fig. 9).
Failure of finite slope occurs along a surface, which
is a curve. Two basics type of failure of a finite
slope may occur they are: Slope failure, and Base
failure. Observation of slope failure on soil Figure 10. Longitudinal section of Pawati landslide
suggests that the failure surface generally takes the and hypothetical position of the sliding surface.
form of a circle and most stability analysis theories
are based upon this observation. The details of the
theoretical background of the stability analysis are
beyond the scope of this paper.
A detailed topographical survey carried out
along the main axis of the movement of Pawati
landslide, using inclinometer and stratigraphic data
together with laboratory tests, identified the

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Table 2. Soil parameters and factor of safety

calculations

8. PREVENTION AND
MITIGATION
MEASURES
Based on the findings of the survey, relating to
the characteristics and location of landslide
Figure 11. Grain size distribution and USCS
movements and rupture zones as well as the
classification of soils involved in the Pawati
distribution and levels of groundwater, etc,
landslide.
landslide prevention and control works should be
implemented. The landslide mitigation works must
be carefully selected, taking the mechanism of
The stability analysis was conducted for the
landslide into full consideration. Pawati landslide is
profile AB and the sliding mass above a trial
the rotational slide that has been reactivating
failure arc. For the analysis, required soil
periodically and depends on rainfall, soil type, clay
parameters determined in the field and laboratory
mineralogy, pore water pressure and dynamic
tests have been used (Table 2). The grain size
vibrations. From the point of view of planning of
analysis and references to the Casagrande plasticity
prevention works, ground water level and seepage
curve (Fig. 11) show the soils consist mainly of
clay and clay-silt, with a minimal part of sand, with during the summer and the weight of landslide
medium plasticity. Direct shear tests gave values mass itself should be considered. Since the
prevention and control works of Pawati landslide
for the friction angle ranging from 20.80 to 21.30,
require both structural and non structural measures,
with cohesion ranging from 18.2 to 21.5 kPa.
following remedial measures have been felt acutely
Slope stability analysis by Swedish circle,
essential.
Bishop and Fellenius methods for SN-1 on 26%
For proper surface and subsurface water
natural moisture content condition are 0.94, 0.984
drainage some drainage ditches, transverse
and 2.42 respectively. However, Bishop analysis
perforated polythene pipes, Lime sand piles, deep
on fully saturated condition has shown that the
drainage wells, horizontal drainage boring and
factor of safety 0.416. Similarly, factor of safety by
support structures are proposed. To decrease
Swedish circle, Bishop and Fellenius methods for
deepening of the stream bed, some gulley
SN-2 on 21.23% natural moisture content are 0.92,
protection works like check dams with ground
0.957 and 2.42 respectively. However, Bishop
seals should be constructed along the course of
analysis on fully saturated condition has shown that
Khabre, Dhobi and Dhamile streams. However, the
the factor of safety 0.404. The safety factors proved
structures should not be high, so that the flow
lower than unit. In reality, Fellenius analysis
would still be confined in the present flow path.
assumes the sliding plane is curve and results more
Bio-engineering works in the upper and middle
area for the friction plane therefore in case of it
part of the landslide should be encouraged that will
landslide seems stable in spite of its vulnerability.
help to stabilize the agricultural fields lying nearby.
For the analysis of the landslide and planning of
countermeasures, the effect of ground water should

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be analyzed. In addition to the structural
countermeasure, it is recommended to foster public
awareness program as non-structural
countermeasure to make the solution effective in
the long run.
9. CONCLUSIONS
Landslides and related mass movement
phenomena are very common in Nepal and are also
among the most common natural hazards. Every
year, they cause heavy losses of life and property.
They also severely impart the entire environment
by degrading its constituents. The major causes of
the landslide in Nepal Himalaya are rock and soil
type their strength and structures. Furthermore,
seismicity, intensity of precipitation land use
patterns, natural slope condition, ground water
conditions and human activities are the seriously
affected causes of landslides.
The Pawati landslide, which involves the right
hand slope along the Tamakoshi river, may be
considered representative of a situation particularly
common within the central Nepal (in terms of type,
factors and causes of the movement). The landslide
has been threat to local people for many years. The
area is characterised by the presence of
metamorphic rock the Ulleri augen gneiss of
Central Nepal, Lesser Himalaya, which plays
important role in the reactivation of landslide by
percolating water through gneiss that flows sub-
surfacially and drains into Tamakoshi River.
Fragile quaternary top soil overlying the augen
gneiss permits large amount of precipitation to
flow subsurface and large amount of these water
are hold by the clay and clayey silt of alluvial
terrace of Tamakoshi River making the area
unstable.
Overall study shows Pawati landslide is
rotational type and shows perceptible movement
specially during rainfall season. Slope stability
analysis by Swedish circle, Bishop and Fellenius
methods give the factor of safety below unity and
shows under unstable state. To stabilize and
control the mass movement various prevention and
mitigation measures are suggested: drainage
ditches, transverse perforated polythene pipes, lime
sand piles, deep drainage wells, horizontal drainage
boring and support structures seems necessary.
Gulley protection works like check dams with
ground seals should be constructed along the
course of the major streams. Moreover, bio-
engineering works should be implemented to
stabilize the agricultural fields lying nearby.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge the Government of Nepal,
Department of Water Induced Disaster Prevention
(DWIDP) and Geo-Engineering and Design (GED)
Consultants for granting permission for the study
and publish this paper.
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