Belthangady: Precautions needed on Charmadi Ghat to avert disasters

The roads connecting the coastal region and Bengaluru through the ghat areas experience repeated landslides every monsoon. This year, Ankola, Shiradi, and Madikeri ghats have witnessed landslides, causing traffic disruptions. Now, the safety of the major Charmadi Ghat road is also a concern.

On August 8, 2019, around 15 to 20 landslides in the Chikkamagaluru district section of Charmadi Ghat on National Highway 73 (Mangaluru-Chikkamagaluru-Viluppuram) led to a complete halt of vehicle traffic for two months. Despite five years having passed since the incident, large heavy vehicles still do not ply this route, and permanent safety measures are yet to be implemented.

In three areas of Charmadi Ghat, the road development process has been hindered due to issues with land acquisition. A proposal of Rs. 225 crore has been submitted for widening work from 75 km to 99 km mark on the Ghat road, constructing retaining walls, and installing soil-nailing technology. However, this has been stalled due to conflicts between the forest and highway departments.

Retaining walls of 100 to 150 meters have been constructed at six landslide-affected spots on this highway. Additionally, 26 new culverts and retaining walls measuring 10 to 15 meters in length and 4 to 5 meters in height have been built near Bidirutala in three locations. Among the completed works, 4 to 5 retaining walls have weakened, and some have developed cracks.

Last week, Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj visited and inspected the site, stating that the road is suitable for traffic. However, locals disagree, noting that the cracked retaining walls have been plastered with white cement, and the soil within the walls has sunken, covered with gravel on the top. The base of the retaining wall is 4 feet wide, while the top is only 1 foot, making it inadequate to withstand the pressure of hill water and soil, they claim.

Belthangady Division Currently Safe

Currently, there are no significant concerns of landslide risk at the ten hairpin curves in the ghat area under the Belthangady division. Only in two spots has the road edge eroded, where barricades and reflectors have been installed. In the lower section of Jenukallu Betta, a single-lane system is in place due to the risk of falling rocks.

Dangerous Trees

According to Social worker Charmadi Hasanabba, one of the primary reasons for hill collapses is ‘dangerous’ trees. The Forest Department has not removed dead trees along the road before the monsoon. These trees pose a significant threat as they can fall during strong winds, endangering lives. He believes that only strict action against forest officials will improve the situation.

“We have already inspected Charmadi Ghat, and there is no danger in the Mangaluru division. The Chikkamagaluru division has been assessed by the local DC, and safety measures are being implemented in the affected areas,” said Shivaprasad Ajila, Executive Engineer.

Translated from a Kannada article by Chaitresh Ilantila