Slope protection wall to check landslide in Ottinene

To check landslide on Baindoor-Shiroor stretch, the authorities have taken up preventive measures before the onset of monsoon.

The four-laning of the road between Baindoor-Shiroor has been a challenge for the authorities following the massive landslide several times during the last monsoon.

Contractor IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd has initiated the work on slope protection wall to prevent any eventualities during the monsoon.

The hillock has been converted into a slope and a layer of concrete is being used on the slope at Ottinene. The rods and mesh have also been used on the hillock to prevent it from sliding. In addition, an Australia-based grass is being grown on the hillock. It has the ability to withstand unfavourable conditions and prevents erosion of the soil.

Last year’s landslide had stranded hundreds of vehicles and had created panic among tourists and travellers. The absence of a sidewall to check soil from sliding down had resulted in a massive landslide. The NHAI had awarded the contract for widening the 189-km stretch of the NH 66 from Kundapur to Goa to IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd.

Following the landslide last year, the district administration had filed a criminal case against the contractor as well.

IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd Project Manager Yogendrappa said the landslide had caused inconvenience to the public last year. “The work on the protection wall has been started well in advance at the landslide site,” he added.

Newly-elected MLA B M Sukumar Shetty had visited the spot. Kundapur AC Bhoobalan too visited and inspected the spot.