A Multilayered Retaining Strategy for Enhancing Slope Safety in Low-Infrastructure Mountainous Terrains

This research presents a bold and much-needed engineering solution tailored for the often-ignored realities of rural and infrastructure-deficient mountainous regions where landslides pose a recurring threat to life, livelihood, and local development. Instead of relying on expensive geotechnical interventions such as deep piling, reinforced concrete retaining systems, or sensor-based monitoring, this study introduces a simple yet scientifically sound <b>multilayered retaining wall strategy</b> that is modular, field-adaptable, and economically feasible even for the most remote village environments.The strategy integrates four crucial components—(1) <b>gabion walls</b> for foundational support and drainage, (2) <b>biodegradable geotextile wraps</b> made of jute or coir for shallow soil reinforcement, (3) <b>manual surface drainage channels</b> to prevent water accumulation, and (4) <b>low-cost tilt rods</b> as a passive visual early-warning system. Derived from the synthesis of over 25 globally recognized research papers and technical reports, this framework represents the first unified model that combines these elements in a structured, observationally driven design without the need for heavy machinery or digital instrumentation.To validate feasibility, a hypothetical slope case study was developed based on terrain characteristics typical of Himalayan rural belts, including a 30-degree slope inclination, silty soil composition, and seasonal rainfall intensity between 400–600 mm/month. Through sequential application of the layered system, the estimated Factor of Safety (FOS) improved from an unsafe 0.85 to a stable 1.55, demonstrating the theoretical strength of the proposed design. Visual tables, construction checklists, slope profiles, and monitoring logs further enhance its educational and practical usability.This paper is more than an academic exercise—it is a <b>blueprint for grassroots resilience</b>. It bridges the divide between elite engineering models and under-resourced communities, offering a system that is not only technically valid but also <b>implementable by diploma students, local engineers, panchayats, and NGOs</b>. The framework is especially valuable for polytechnic institutions seeking meaningful field projects, for governments aiming to protect rural infrastructure, and for disaster management bodies exploring cost-efficient, community-inclusive approaches to slope stabilization.By championing affordability, modularity, and hands-on observation, this research proves that <b>civil engineering innovation can thrive without high budgets—only requiring clear vision, layered design thinking, and a commitment to protect those most at risk</b>.