Shirur landslide: Denied permission due to perilous conditions, Eshwar Malpe team calls off river search op

Ankola: The district administration denied permission for a search operation in the Gangavali River on Sunday, August 4, when diving expert Eshwar Malpe arrived at the Shirur landslide site, leading to the operation being called off.

Eshwar Malpe’s team had arrived in Shirur on Sunday, a new moon day, considering it suitable for the operation. However, the district administration refused permission due to increased water flow in the river. Heavy rains in the Yellapur area had caused the water levels to rise.

On July 16, a landslide occurred in Shirur village of Ankola taluk, resulting in the disappearance of 11 people. The NDRF, SDRF, and Army conducted search operations. Eshwar Malpe’s team also conducted a two-day search in the Gangavali River, but the bodies of three missing persons were not found.

With the river’s water expected to return to normal on the new moon day, Malpe’s team had planned to resume the search, and fishermen were ready with necessary boats. However, permission was denied by the district administration and police department, forcing the team and fishermen to return.

Three persons — Jagannath Naik, Lokesh Naik from Shirur, and lorry driver Arjun from Kerala — are still missing in the landslide. Eshwar Malpe was determined to find them to bring closure to their families.

Heavy rains in the Ghat region increased the river’s pressure, prompting officials to avoid taking risks. Eshwar Malpe assured that they would return for the search operation once the rains subside and permission is granted.