Azerbaijan works to prevent landslides

Before starting construction and repair works, measures to prevent landslides should be taken, chief engineer of the comprehensive expedition of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) Shaig Niftiyev said.

"It would be nice if on territories measures to prevent landslides were undertaken first, and only then construction and repair work. Measures to prevent landslides should be undertaken when carrying out activities, constructing residential houses and other buildings and building roads in areas where there is a danger of landslides," said Niftiyev.

He expressed regret over the fact that very often these measures are not implemented, and noted that they become aware about landslides after their activation, and only after this geological work and monitoring are conducted and the causes of the accident are studied.

"In many cases, during the construction of buildings, construction of roads in certain areas no one is interested in us, and whether it is possible to carry out this work or not. In these areas various design institutes conduct geotechnical investigations. But we do not receive the materials of these studies. That's why we don't receive any information about the measures that can be taken to prevent the activation of landslides in these areas," Niftiyev added.

He said plans of action to be taken in landslide areas in the country have been submitted to the Cabinet of ministers.

In these areas it is necessary to prevent erosion through engineering works and planting of trees and shrubs.

The most costly program, which is necessary to be carried out in areas prone to landslides is the fortification work. One major factor is also a full restriction of anthropogenic factors in areas where landslides are identified.

Niftiyev said the implementation of these measures is very important to prevent activation of landslides. The engineer noted work is currently being carried out in the landslide areas. On the territory of Khatai district the situation stabilizes, there is no change, Niftiyev said.


/Trend/