Landslides on NH: Expert panel to suggest solutions

The Public Works Department has constituted a committee of three experts to chalk out permanent solutions to check landslides on the national highway of Shiradi, Sampaje and Charmadi Ghats which connect coastal districts with Bengaluru and hinterland.

The team is led by IISc’s retired professor Prof B R Srinivasmurthy. Retired chief engineer and PWD Tender Inspection Technical Committee Chairman Jaiprasad and Bridge expert Jayagopal are in the team.

Charmadi Ghat (NH 234) has seen massive landslides on June 12, thus inconveniencing the motorists. The authorities had to close the road for a few days to facilitate the work. Similarly, multiple landslides on Shiradi Ghat of NH 75 on August 13 forced the authorities to close the road for traffic. The continuous landslides following heavy rain on Sampaje Ghat (NH 275) on August 15 have led to the closure of the stretch for traffic. The traffic on Shiradi and Sampaje Ghats have been completely banned till further orders.

The landslides on the three Ghat roads have affected the movement of vehicles between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, which in turn has affected the transportation of goods as well. To find a permanent solution, the PWD has constituted a committee. The committee has been asked to submit a report on the causes of landslides and measures to be taken to check landslides beside the national highways.

National Highway Division of PWD Chief Engineer Ganesh said, “The landslides have increased after the committee was constituted. The committee had inspected the Sampaje Ghat. Only primary study was taken up on Shiradi Ghat. The committee requires some time to study. Owing to the landslides on the 14 km stretch on Sampaje Ghat, the committee could not visit the spot.”

He said the committee will submit a detailed report and will recommend the measures to be taken to check the landslides.