Slope stablisation through bioengineering. Internship report which was done with UNDP GLOF II in Gilgit

1. Internship Report
On
Monitoring of Slope Stabilization through Bioengineering (vegetation)
methods
Minhaj Ali
2018-KIU-5700
Session 2018-2022
Supervisor: Ishrat Roomi
Department of Forestry, Range & Wildlife Management,
Karakoram International University,
Gilgit-Baltistan

2. Approval Sheet Internship Report
On
Monitoring of Slope Stabilization through Bio-engineering (vegetation)
methods
Supervisor Signature: ______________________________
Name: Dr. _________________________________
Designation: ____________________________
External Examiner Signature: _____________________________
Name: ______________________________
Designation: ______________________________
Chairman/HoD Signature: ______________________________
Name: ___________________________________

3. Contents of the report
• Title page
• Page for the supervisory committee
• Table of contents
• Acknowledgement
• Internship certificate
• Summary
Chapter 1 Introduction of the report
Chapter 2 Overview of the organization
Chapter 3 What I have learned?
Chapter 4 Tasks assigned and accomplished
Chapter 5 Recommendations and conclusions.
Reference
Appendices

4. Acknowledgement:
This report has been prepared for the internship that has been done in the Glacial Lakes
Outburst Flood (GLOF-II) risk reduction, to study the practical aspect of "Construction of
slope stabilization activities through bioengineering structures" and implementation of the
theory in the field to fulfill the requirements of the course of Bachelors in Forestry. I want to
sincerely thank (the Director of GLOF-II and the Supervisor at KIU) for their encouragement
and assistance.
Executive Summary
The internship with GLOF-II was mainly centered on monitoring slope stabilization of
slope-prone areas like Miacher valley and upper Hunza. Causes of slope stabilization, and
reducing this slope stabilization by applying forestry techniques of bio-engineering and
plantation of plants at the land degradation sites. Another theme of the internship was identifying
regions of Gilgit-Baltistan that are at risk of slope instability and are considered flash flood areas.
Many plants are used in soil bioengineering, like Willow, Sea buckthorn, Poplus species, e.t.c.
Studying this topic is essential because:
• Slope stabilization is significant because it reduces land degradation and floodings in a
specific area. Plants reduce these phenomena so that the roots of plants hold the area's soil and
thus stabilize that specific area from slope stabilization.
• Many beneficial and fertilized land is degraded due to slope instability, and it is crucial to
control it.
The significant findings and the results of the internships are the following:
• Gilgit-Baltistan has dozens of such villages prone to slope instability like Miacher valley,
upper Hunza, Badswat valley, Ghizer, Khaplu valley, Skardu, Hassan Abbad, Hunza and Mayon
Slide in Hunza valley, and many more.

5. • Willows, Poplus Species, Sea buckthorn, and many other plants can be used as slope
stabilizing plants in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Stem cuttings of plants, especially willow, can be used as bio-engineering to reduce slope
instability.
The internship aimed to monitor the slope stabilization of regions of Gilgit-Baltistan through
Bio-engineering and re-vegetation of plants in the flood flash areas.
CHAPTERS
Chapter 1: Introduction of the Report
Background:
Slope failure is a natural disaster that occurs when the slope-forming materials lose
strength and move downwards under the force of gravity. These slope-forming materials are a
mixture of rocks, soils, artificial fill, or combinations of these slope instability is ancient and also
a rising problem in many regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Therefore, it is essential to take steps and
monitor slope instability. Slope and cracks must be monitored through an inclinometer,
piezometer, standpipe, and extensometer. These instruments are appropriately recorded,
particularly in the rainfall season, to record the pore water pressure and rate of movement. Any
change in position and measurement induction of new cracks must be conveyed to the concerned
authorities. There is a need to record the historical landslide data from which the frequency of
landslides can be inferred in other months of the year.
Proper bioengineering remedial measures should be taken; trees in the affected areas must not be
cut down, and new plants and trees should be planted to reduce the slope movement further. In
consultation with the agriculture and forest department, certain species should be introduced,
which spread their root network in relatively less time. Local grass, which sustains highly saline
spring water, may be promoted particularly in loose soil downstream of springs.
Soil bioengineering uses living plant materials to construct structures that perform some
engineering function.

6. Often, soil bio-engineering is used to treat sites where surface stability and erosion problems
arise.
Techniques such as wattle fences and modified brush layers and live stakingform small retaining
walls that can support failing slopes or reduce slope angles and allow other vegetation to be
established. Live pole drains act like "French" drains to provide a preferred flow path for soil
moisture and thus drain sites where excess soil moisture is causing instability.
Sites where moisture-sensitive surface soils are sliding, can be treated with live smiles, a wattle
fence shaped in a catenary curve that suspends the flowing mud on the slope.
Live gully breaks can control seasonal flows in gullies and thus reduce the erosive force of the
water, while live bank protection can be used to bolster eroding stream banks.
Live palisades can be used to restore bank-stabilizing riparian vegetation where land clearing has
removed the natural riparian cover. Live gravel bar staking can be used to initiate the
successional processes that operate on gravel bars to make them productive alluvial forests
eventually.
Techniques such as live shade and live staking can be used in the enhancement of damaged
riparian ecosystems.
Soil bioengineering treatments can be applied to a wide variety of degraded sites. These
treatments use natural components of pioneering plant communities and thus integrate well with
ecological restoration principles. Soil bioengineering can provide an effective means of treating
sites where steep slopes and soil instability are resulting in revegetation problems. Soil
bioengineering uses living plant materials to perform engineering functions, from simple erosion
control with grass and legume seeding to more complex slope stabilization with willows and
other plants. Stem cuttings of many species can be used for bioengineering, although willows
and cottonwood are the most effective. Cuttings should be collected while the plant is dormant.
Cutting woody vegetation in the fall and winter results in the maximum amount of growth.
Carbohydrate reserves are at their highest level in the plants at this time of year, allowing the
cutting to provide new growth in the spring without further photosynthesis. Cutting woody plant
stems in the fall and winter allows all of this stored energy to be expended in the growth of new
roots and shoots during the spring and early summer.

7. New roots and shoots on the cuttings develop either from buds that develop in the axils of the
leaves (axillary buds) or from other tissues in a process termed dedifferentiation. Buds arising
from these are termed "adventitious" buds.
The primary and defining purpose of the internship was to study slope degradation and its causes
and to monitor and stabilize it with the techniques of bio-engineering and re-vegetation. Another
primary purpose of the study was to identify plants that can be used in bio-engineering
techniques in Gilgit-Baltistan, which primarily include willows, sea buckthorn, e.t.c.
• Data Collection:
• Data collected is of different types like data of specific gravity of soil was collected, data of
precipitation, Monsoon trends e.t.c. was noted and composition of soil and data of the percentage
of different minerals was also collected.
Sieve Analysis was done and the data was recorded for Miacher valley active slope
Data collected is secondary and is obtained from different sources. Data collected and shown are
from different regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, like Miacher valley and upper Hunza, which are in
danger of land degradation/slope instability. These areas include Miacher valley and upper
Hunza. Data will try to interpret different aspects like soil components of areas mentioned above.
It will also include precipitation trends e.t.c.
The main scope of the study was to study and monitor slope stabilization of flood-prone areas of
Gilgit-Baltistan, like Miacher valley and Upper Hunza, bioengineering methods, and vegetation
methods in slope stabilization. Secondly, to understand and monitor the techniques to attain
slope stability through soil bioengineering and revegetation.
Another scope of the study was identifying slope-stabilizing species of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Chapter 2: Overview of the Organization (GLOF-II)
Glacial lakes outburst flood (GLOF-II) risk reduction in Northern areas is a project
initiated by UNDP with the collaboration of the Green Climate Fund and the Government of
Pakistan. Due to rising temperatures, glaciers in Pakistan’s northern mountain ranges (Hindu
Kush Himalayas and the Karakorum) are melting rapidly. Over 3,000 glacial lakes have
developed in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. Out of which 33 glacial lakes
have been assessed as prone to glacial lake outburst flooding (GLOF), which are sudden outburst

8. events releasing millions of cubic meters of water from glacial lakes, leading to destruction
downstream and loss of lives, property, and livelihoods. An estimated 7.1 million people in GB
and KP are vulnerable. The Scaling-up of GLOF risk reduction in Northern Pakistan (GLOF-II)
project is a continuation of the four year ‘Reducing Risks and Vulnerabilities from GLOF in
Northern Pakistan’ (GLOF-I) project, which helped vulnerable communities in two districts to
prepare for and mitigate GLOF risks through early warning systems, enhanced infrastructure and
community-based disaster risk management.
Objectives of GLOF-II
The project builds on activities implemented during the pilot phase. It aims to empower
communities further to identify and manage risks associated with GLOFs and related impacts of
climate change, strengthen public services to lower the risk of disasters, and improve community
preparedness and disaster response capacities. The project will also support the development of
sustainable livelihood options in project areas, with a particular focus on the participation of
women in ensuring food security and livelihoods.
Key Activities of the GLOF-II
• Provincial line and planning departments have technical capacities to mainstream climate
change into development plans
• Sub-national institutions coordinate effectively to implement adaptation action plans and
climate change initiatives
• Expanded weather surveillance and discharge measuring networks
• Early warnings are effective in protecting communities from climate-induced risks.
• Vulnerable communities have adequate long-term measures in place to address GLOF-
related risks
• Improved financial capacity to adapt to GLOFs and other climate change-induced risks
Stakeholders
The project aims to build institutional capacities of government institutions at federal and
provincial levels, including the Pakistan MET department and provincial line departments such
as Disaster Management Authorities, Forest departments, Agriculture Department, Planning and

9. Development Department, Pakistan Metrological Department, Environmental Protection
Agencies, and Rural Support Programs, and environmental protection agencies. Furthermore,
project interventions will target population groups in GB and KP. Communities most vulnerable
to the impacts of climate change will be engaged. The maximum participation of women will be
ensured in all project activities.
Chapter 3: What I have Learned
During the internship at GLOF-II, I learned many great things, and it was a very fruitful
experience. The staff and working circle were very cooperating and helpful.
I first learned how to work in groups properly; in GLOF-II, we had to work in groups to
accomplish a task.
I also learned how different plant species could serve as engineer structures to prevent slope
failure. I also learned what is the best season to plant willows in unstable slope areas is and what
the depth of its soil should be.
As I was placed under a slope stabilizing project, I learned about the flood-prone areas of Gilgit-
Baltistan and ways to neutralize them and reduce slope instability through Bio-engineering and
vegetation.
I also learned through this internship what are the plant species of Gilgit-Baltistan that can be
used in the bioengineering process to stabilize slopes which are willows, sea buckthorn, and
other species.
I also learned in this internship what is the right season to plant new saplings or cuttings of
willow in flood-prone areas; for that, Willows are usually planted in March, April, and
November.
I also learned data entry on the computer during this internship, like using MS Excel, MS Word
e.t.c.
The last but certainly not least lesson I learned from this experience was to listen to my seniors
when performing a task and to use their expertise when it came to field trips with educational
goals.
Chapter 4: Tasks assigned and accomplished

10. The critical tasks assigned to me during this internship were following;
• Data entry of soil components of Miacher area
• Data entry of sieve analysis of soil of Miacher Valley, Hunza
• To identify the flood-prone areas of Gilgit-Baltistan
• To identify slope stabilizing plants of Gilgit-Baltistan
• To identify the months in which this slope instability is maximum
• To find out the liquid limit of the soil of Miacher valley
Tasks accomplished
Miacher valley's soil includes minerals like Quartz, albite, Ferronordite, Chalcophanite,
Montdorite, and Foggite.
Another task accomplished was identifying slope stabilizing plants of Gilgit-Baltistan, which are
Willows, Sea buckthorn, Poplus species e.t.c.
Flood flash areas of Gilgit-Baltistan include Badsawat, Ghizer, Hassan Abbad, Hunza, Khaplu,
Shigar, Darkut, and Ghizer.
Slope instability is maximum in monsoon season in July and August.
Liquid limit after analyzing was found to be 24.
Data Collected
Sample 1
Sample 1 is observed under five major minerals are observed. The most abundant
mineral observed in the sample is quartz, with a percentage of 50. The 2nd most abundant
mineral observed, having a percentage of 15 is Montdorite belonging to the mica group and
having a sheet silicate structure with formula (K, Na) 2 (Fe 2+, Mn 2+, Mg) 5 (Si4O10) 2 (OH,
F) 4. The Chalcophanite mineral is an oxide mineral with a 12% chemical composition of (Zn,
Fe++, Mn++). Ferronordite with a % age of 13 belongs to the nordite group with a composition
of Na3Sr (La, Ce) FeSi6O17 also reported from the sample. An Albite with 10 % was also
recorded from the sample having composition Na(AlSi3O8). The detailed composition and
occurrence of each mineral are shown in Table 1.
Sample 2
In sample 2, a total of eight minerals are reported with higher % age of quartz 26. The
other minerals observed are Ushkovite, Obertiite, Chamosite, Xiteshnite, Foggite, Quartz,
Barberiite, and Fergusonite, its % age and chemical composition are shown in table 1. Ushkovite

11. is a hydrated phosphate associated with granitic pegmatites. Obertiite is an intermediate member
of the solid solution series of the amphibole group. Chamosite is a type of phyllosilicate and a
common member of the chlorite group. Foggite is Calcium aluminum phosphate with a hydroxyl
group that occurs as secondary minerals in granitic pegmatite. Barberiite is a complex
boroflouride that belongs to the halides group associated with fumaroles activity. Fergusonite is a
mineral comprising a complex oxide of various rare earth elements. It is found as needle-like or
prismatic crystals in pegmatite.
Sample 3
In sample 3, a total of eight minerals are recorded by XRD, with a more significant %
of quartz (Table#1). The other minerals observed are Ushkovite, Cummingtonite,
Manganohornesite, Foggite, Quartz, Vanadomalayaite, and Fergusonite; their % age and
chemical composition are shown in Table #1.
TABLE#1
Table 1
Sample 1
Minerals %age Composition Paragenesis
Quartz 50 SiO2
Albite 20 Na(AlSi3O8) Magmatic and Pagmite
rocks belongs to feldspar
group
Ferronordite 13 Na3Sr(La,Ca)FeSi6O17 Hyper agpaitaic
Pegmatite group
Chalcophanite 12 (ZnFe2+Mn2+)Mn3O7.3(H2O)Secondary weathered
minerals of igneous
rocks
Montdorite 15 (K.Na)(Fe.Mn 1 1
.Mg)z.5[Si•Orn] (F.OH)2
Small grains per alkaline
as per Ryolite
Ushkovite 13 Mg.Fe'23 (P04)2(0H)i.8H20 In granite pcgmatite's, as
an alteration product of
tri plet fom1ed by
weathering
Obertiite 10 Na.Na2(Mg3Fe11 1Ti)Si8O22
(O.F,OH)2
In cavities with basaltic
tlows. A
member of the
auhydrous amphibole
group.

12. Chamosite 11 (Fe'2,Mg,Al,Fe '3)6(Si,A l
).1010(0 H,0)8
Metamorphosed iron
deposits, chlorite group.
phyUosilicates.
Xetisheniate 9 Fe(SO.i)(Cl)•7(H20) Oxidation zone of a
lead-zinc
Foggite 11 Ca.Al(PO.i)(OH(H20) Secondary mineral,
probably fom1ed al <
300 deg. c in complex
grm1ite pegmati te 's
Quartz 26 SiO3 Abundant minerals of
Earth crust
Barberite 9 (NH4)(BF4) Found in a fumaroles at
<= 600 deg.C
Sample 3
Ushkovite 14 Mg.Fe'23 (P04)2(0H)2 .8H20 In grani te pegmatite's,
as an alteration product
of tripli te formed by
weathering
Manganohomosite 11 (Mn , Mg)3(AsQ4)2•8(H 20) Fractures in manganese
skarn
Precipitation (PPT), making a direct contribution through rainfall or a delayed contribution as
snow, is the primary input to the hydrological cycle. Precipitation is a critical factor in mass
movement, through freeze-thaw action and mechanical weathering, as a medium for conveying
debris flows, e.tc. and as a lubricating agent for mass movement with slipping and sliding
mechanisms.
• The PPT induces the slide in several ways, such as it is well known that rainfall
changes the GWT and that water level fluctuation may induce the change of the pore
water pressure in the waterfront soil slopes.
• From the monthly trend analysis of monsoon, it is inferred that June and July
months have high precipitation and will have adverse effects on the sliding.

13. FIGURE#1
Sieve Analysis
Sieve analysis is shaking of soil sample through a series of sieves whose size
decrease from top to bottom by using mechanical shaker to separates different particles sizes
from each others. The different types of sieves and theirs opening sizes in mm is given in Table
2.
Sieve analysis most commonly used for granular soil, it cannot discriminate between silt
and clay size particles and does not give any information about the shape of the particles
Table 2 Sieve Analysis
of Miacher
Active land

14. Slide
Mass of oven
Dried sample
W
500
Type of soil Sandy
silty soil
Location Miacher
Nagar
Sample No 3
Sieve No Sieve
opening(mm)
Cr Cr %
retained
Sr on each
sieve
% Sr %
Finer
CR(%)
finer
4 4.75 0.97 0.194 0.97 0.194 99.80699.806
10 2 2.68 0.536 1.71 0.342 99.66 99.464
20 0.85 4.99 0.998 2.31 0.462 99.54 99.()()2
30 0.6 7.3 1.46 2.31 0.462 99.54 98.54
40 0.425 11.37 2.274 4.07 0.814 99 . 1997.726
60 0.25 26.22 5.244 14.85 2.97 97.03 94.756
140 0.106 152.2 7 30.454 126 .05 25.2 1 74.79 69.546
200 0.075 249.15 49.83 96.88 19.38 80.62 50.17
Pan 494 .44 98.888 245.29 49.06 50.94 1.112
Total ( V1) 494.44
% Mass loss
during Sieve
Analysis
1.112%
A Plot of moisture content and number of blows are plotted on graph paper, and the moisture
content at N=25 is the LL of the soil.
• LL = 24 of Miacher soil

15. Table 3 Liquid limit of
Miacher Active slide
soil
Test No 1 2 3 4
Mass of Can , W1 49.91 49.08 49.49 49.4
Mass of can, W1 +
moist soil, W2
70.25 67.75 66.67 64.34
Mass of can, + dry
soil W3
67.26 64.27 63.18 61.14
Moisture content in
%
17.2 27 25.4 26.3
Number of blows N 32 25 22 20
Chapter 5: Conclusions and recommendations
To sum up this intership with GLOF-II I can conclude that our region Gilgit Baltistan is very
valnurable to slope unstability and this unstability can be minimized by the use of vegetations
and bio engineering structures.Bioengineering can be an effective tool for the treatment of
landslides and unstable slopes. Treatments are relatively inexpensive and can provide significant
benefits in terms of reduced maintenance, erosion, and enhanced stability. As living systems,
bioengineering systems need little or no maintenance and continue strengthening over the years.
Bioengineering can provide a helpful bridge between traditional engineering treatments and
routine seeding work. Bio-engineering can be a valuable addition to the reclamation of forest
sites.
In the context of learning, it was a great experience, and many things were learned during the
internship. However, some weaknesses were also identified, like my confidence level was not so
great, and one should be fully confident during such sessions. Therefore, during such sessions,
one should carefully listen and observe everything to achieve maximum learning.

16. References
Polster, D. F. (2003). Soil bioengineering for slope stabilization and site restoration. Paper presented
Sudbury Mining and the Environment III, May, 25-28.
Abe, K. A., & Ziemer, R. R. (1991). Effect of tree roots on shallow-seated landslides. Rice. Raymond M.,
technical coordinator. 1991. Proceedings of the IUFRO technical session on geomorphic hazards
in managed forests; 5-11 August 1990; Montreal, Canada. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-130,
Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture;
p. 11-20, 130.