Vehicle movement banned on Hulikkal Ghat due to landslides and shrinking road

Time of India

3 days ago

Shivamogga: The Hulikkal Ghat in Hosanagara taluk, Shivamogga district, is continuously sending alarming signals as it is shrinking. The entry of heavy vehicles has been restricted on the state highway, which links middle Karnataka to the coastal area through the pristine forests of the Western Ghats, due to safety concerns.
Shivamogga DC Gurudatt Hegde issued an order to temporarily ban the movement of heavy vehicles and multi-axle trucks on the Thirthahalli-Kundapura State Highway 52. The suspension, which does not affect bus services, will remain in place from Mastikatte to Hosangadi until the end of the monsoon season.
The DC stated, "Due to a landslide at the Hulikal (Balebare) Ghat chain hairpin turn and with rains intensifying, there is a possibility of further landslides.
For safety reasons, a temporary ban on heavy vehicle traffic is necessary."
Heavy vehicles travelling from Thirthahalli towards Kundapura via Rave- Kanagodu- Mastikatte-Hulikkal Ghat - Hosangadi - Siddapura are directed to take the Thirthahalli - Rave - Kanagodu - Nagara - Kollur - Kundapura route. According to the IAS officer, these alternative routes will increase the travelling distance by at least 100km. Speaking to TOI, DC Hegde said the suspension of heavy vehicles is temporary until the repair works conclude.
The Hulikal route, a lifeline for commuters, is now crumbling due to the highest rainfall recorded in recent times. Monsoon rains have hindered repair efforts since May, when the first slides of the season occurred. Authorities have covered the shrinking roads with tarpaulin sheets and filled sandbags in the gorges beneath the highway at the first hairpin curve. However, the barriers made of cement concrete were washed away, and mud spilt over half an acre, uprooting trees.
Initially, the public works department (PWD) protected the road with preventive measures. Now, they plan to erect retaining walls and expedite repair works after the rains subside.
Speaking to TOI, Shivamogga PWD executive engineer BS Nagesh stated, "A carriage width of the first hairpin curve towards Udupi district is congested. The heavy rain and hill seepage have resulted in continuous earth sliding. We are planning a permanent retaining structure and need to expand the carriage width by protecting the earth.
This takes time and can only be done after the rainy season."
"We are prioritising the protection of people travelling in cars and bikes. We will conduct another geotech survey on the rocks and mud and start the work with Rs 4.3 crore. Seepage in the ground will be controllable, and we will provide filter sand media to eject the water. We have completed similar projects in various locations," he added.
Slides have also occurred beside the highway at the second and third curves near the famous Balebare Falls.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and s
ilver prices
in your area.