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Vetiver to protect Ghat roads

MALAPPURAM: The district administration has given shape to a plan to protect the Ghat routes connecting the Nilgris with Nilambur by planting vetiver.

The perennial plant vetiver, popular by its Malayalam name Ramacham, is said to provide excellent bulwark to the Ghats constantly under the threat of soil erosion and landslips, particularly during the monsoon.

The project will be implemented in association with the Forest Department, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and grama panchayats. Forest Minister Benoy Viswom will inaugurate the planting programme on Sunday morning.

The 24-km Ghat route in the district from Anamari to the State border at Nadukani will be covered under the scheme. Vetiver will be planted on both sides of the road, said District Collector M.C. Mohandas.

He said the vetiver system technology (VST) adopted as part of the district’s river management programme would be unique to Malappuram. No other district has experimented in VST before. Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is currently the cheapest and most effective means to fight soil erosion in both the Ghat region and the river banks, said Mr. Mohandas. Countries like Vietnam and China have successfully made use of vetiver technology.

The Collector said vetiver was chosen as the plant was found to be good in preventing soil erosion and eliminating natural disasters such as landslips and mudslides. This plant, though mainly used for perfumery, can also help improve soil fertility and facilitate groundwater recharge.

According to studies, vetiver has high tolerance to drought and floods as well as heavy metals. It can grow in even saline conditions, and can withstand flooding for long periods

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