Satish Jarkiholi inspects areas hit by landslips on Shiradi Ghat stretch on NH-75

Shivamogga

Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi visited rain-hit areas of Sakleshpur taluk in Hassan district on Thursday. He inspected the sites where the landslips affected the vehicular movement on NH-75.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said the poor quality of road-widening work was the cause of landslips. The 90-degree cutting of hillocks alongside the highway caused landslips during incessant rains.

“The road work is being taken up by the Central government. I will discuss the issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari,” he said.

Of the total 45-km-long stretch, the work had been completed in 35 kms. The construction of a retaining wall to prevent landslips remained incomplete. “The officers have been instructed to ensure high-quality work,” the Minister said.

He was accompanied by legislators K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, Cement Manju, H.K. Suresh, and officers.

The NH-75 that connects Bengaluru and Mangaluru is a major link between the capital and the coastal region. More than 25,000 vehicles commute on the stretch. Whenever it rains, the travellers face difficulty due to landslips. There were instances of landslips near Anemahal and Doddathappale. The roadwork contractor and the local authorities clear the road by removing the debris with the help of earthmovers.

Last year, the Hassan district administration banned the movement of vehicles for many days during the rainy season to avoid untoward incidents.

The local people were surprised over the delay in completing the work and the poor-quality execution that led to landslips.

Paramesh, a resident of Sakleshpur, wondered the work had been going on for the last eight years. “During every rainy season, the vehicular movement on the stretch is badly hit. Chief Minister, Minister, and Leaders of the Opposition inspect the site. However, not much has improved the condition of the road,” he stated.