Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 22: In a major pre-monsoon safety measure following a fatal soil collapse in the city, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has imposed a four-month ban on all earth excavation, road digging and hill-cutting activities within its jurisdiction from June 1 to September 30.

The order, issued by the Corporation commissioner, aims to prevent rain-related disasters such as landslides, soil erosion, hill collapse, damage to public property and loss of life during the monsoon season.

According to the directive, all forms of road excavation, hill cutting and soil digging works have been prohibited across MCC limits during the four-month period.

The civic body has also completely banned the transportation of soil during this time as part of its precautionary measures.

However, the corporation clarified that construction projects which have already commenced after obtaining official permission may continue, provided adequate safety measures are taken. Builders and property owners have been instructed to ensure that adjoining properties are not affected and to undertake proper backfilling work at construction sites.

The MCC has further warned that in the event of any accident or disaster, the property owner and the concerned engineer will be held directly responsible.

The stringent order comes a day after a man lost his life in a soil collapse incident during retaining wall construction work at Kuntikana in Mangaluru on Thursday, May 21. The tragedy has prompted civic authorities to tighten monsoon safety regulations and crack down on potentially hazardous excavation activities across the city.