SLOPE PROTECTION AT KOTESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE

Koteshwar Mahadev temple is 500 years old shrine situated in Koteshwar, in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat. It is situated on the bank of Sabarmati River. Koteshwar temple trust was been consigned with the work of protecting the surrounding area of Koteshwar Mahadev temple with retaining structures. The trust had planned of constructing a new temple itself in place of the existing old historic temple. The temple is known for the natural formation of shivlingas and attracts thousands of devotees every year. A huge fair is held at the temple on the day of Mahashivratri and people from all across the country visit the temple during the fair. As the temple is situated on the bank of Sabarmati river, erosion of surrounding area resulting from the high flood level was a constraint. According to the soil and field investigations carried out, it was found that the soil strata was of a very hard and dense compressing yellow hard murrum type soil. The height of the river bank which was to be protected varied from 7.5m to 15m. The length of the slope to be protected was approximately 150m. Due to the high velocity of Sabarmati river, the river banks are continuously eroding.