Slow progress of work on rajakaluve irks residents

Procrastination in the repair work of the rajakaluve on Race Course Road in Madikeri has irked the general public.

A protective wall of the rajakaluve was washed way during incessant rains last year. The City Municipal Council took up the repair work much later and hence the construction of the protective wall is not likely to be completed before this rainy season.

The protective wall which was built earlier had caved in during the onset of the rainy season last year. Now, the soil on both sides of the rajakaluve is loosened, causing damage to the foundation of houses and other establishments nearby.

The work on the new protective wall was sanctioned five months ago. But, the work has been progressing at a snail’s pace, which has disappointed the residents.

New extension resident Vimala said that she and her family members had to vacate the house last year, as the walls of the house developed cracks owing to landslides. Even though the officials conducted a spot inspection, the family is yet to get any compensation.

Another local resident Chandana said that the soil is being excavated using an earth mover after the rain which lashed recently. The moisture content is resulting in the loosening of the soil, which may affect the quality of the protective wall.

The shopkeepers in the vicinity expressed their discontentment saying that even though Race Course Road was widened in the wake of a new private bus stand being constructed, the protective wall has not been constructed on the stretch. They fear the road may cave in during heavy rain.

Meanwhile, local residents K T Uttanaiah, Irappa and Prema have urged authorities to raise the height of the protective wall.