Work on Koynadu still in progress

The condition of Sampaje-Madikeri state highway which caved in at Koynadu near Madikeri, following heavy rains last year has not changed even after several months.

As the monsoon is fast approcahing, the road will pose a threat to the users.

Following heavy rains, the road had caved in at Sinkona, Katakeri and Koynadu.

The reason is said to be unscientific work initiated by the KRDCL engineers as a part of road widening process from Mani-Mysore.

Without understanding the ground water table, the road work was initiated, resulting in caving in of the road.

The road had sunk almost about three metres and cracks had developed as wide as five feet, due to high water table and percolation of water.

The repair work was entrusted to Tejas Super Structure Pvt Ltd by the KRDCL.

The estimated cost of the repair work was Rs 7.5 crore.

The fund was released under Calamity Relief Fund.

The work on the repair of road was initiated during last February. However, owing to Lok Sabha elections, the work was delayed, said supervisor Vijay.

He said that funds have been released for constructing two retaining walls and two gabion walls (retaining wall made of stacked stone-filled gabions tied together with wire)

“Boulders are required for the construction of these walls. As quarry works were suspended in the district for the last few months, the work was delayed,” he added.

If the region receives heavy rains this year too, then there are all possibilities of further caving in of roads in the district.

Between Sinkona and Koynadu, 150 metre long gabion wall and 12 metre retaining wall will be constructed. Along with this, storm water drains will be laid.

Heavy rainfall in the region may have caused rise in water table. Failure to construct storm water drains was another reason for caving in of the road.

Medappa, a local resident said that the authorities concerned should ensure that the roads are intact.

 “If the region receives heavy rains, then movement of vehicles will be disrupted,” he lamented.