Val Sabbia Mountain Area Initiates €350M Landslide Prevention Project
Prevention and risk management measures
In the municipality of Capovalle, an example of how coexistence between humans and the land can be feasible, and how the mountain can be “educated” with minimally invasive methods, anticipating risk situations.
The key points are Mount Manos to the south, the Zumio Castle to the northwest, and the S. Rocco pass to the west. The flowing waters are from the Rio Vantone, which drains a significant portion of the left basin of Lake d’Idro.
Their walls are steep and rugged. This area, Valle di Pù, has been under the observation of experienced eyes for some time, who have assessed the danger of hydrogeological landslides.
Among the identified risks are landslides caused by waters collected from the SP 58, which connects Idro to Capovalle, as well as the natural erosion of water that promotes dangerous landslides, and the presence of fallen logs that could temporarily block waterways, ready to give way and cause damage.
To prevent trouble, in such cases, the watchword is “prevention.” The governing council of the Val Sabbia Mountain Community recently approved the final project involving nearly 350 million euros for the area’s restoration works.
The tender will soon be announced, followed by the interventions, which are expected within a few months. Most of the work will be carried out using natural engineering techniques, utilizing locally available materials.
This choice not only ensures environmental protection but also suits the unstable soils better: a wooden “barricade” is lighter than one in concrete and is relatively easier to anchor, while “greening” fencing guarantees lasting stability of the slopes.
There are also interventions planned with gabions and cement; however, these will be carried out with due respect for the territory, and masonry works will be covered with stone.
Lucilio Lombardi, mayor of Capovalle, is particularly satisfied with the measure, as he was one of the first to highlight the need for action. On the Valsabbia, the mountain is being “cared for” with both prudence and speed.
“Thanks to Regional Law No. 11, we managed to secure funds in October of last year,” said Santino Campagnoli, Public Works assessor.
In less than three months, we developed the preliminary project and approved the executive one. It’s not often we manage to do everything so quickly.