Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 25: Work on a gabion wall has resumed at Kethikal on National Highway 169 between Mangaluru and Moodbidri, with authorities targeting completion by January to provide a permanent solution to recurring monsoon landslides and traffic disruptions.
The work is being executed by Dilip Buildcon under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), following recommendations from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru. The work was not part of the original project and has been taken up under disaster management with the deputy commissioner’s approval.
100-metre retaining wall planned
An additional retaining wall is being constructed for around 100 metres from near the Vamanjoor Government School building. Work on 15 metres has already been completed. The risk of soil collapse continues to make construction challenging, but work is progressing wherever conditions permit. Officials have set a target of completing the entire project by January.
Kethikal has two vulnerable stretches. A landslide had occurred at one location earlier, while the other witnessed a landslide during this year’s monsoon. Officials said the gabion wall is currently being built at one location, with work on the other to follow after the first is completed.
The highway authority’s acquired land for the gabion wall has been exhausted, making access to adjoining private property essential for the protective work. Nailing is required on the private land, and a local family has agreed to permit the work. The family has also informed the authority in writing that it will leave space for a rainwater drainage arrangement.
Slope protection will be provided on the private property, along with a five-metre-high wall and nailing at the top. A concrete slope will be constructed using cement, plastic and steel rods. A culvert and catch pit have been installed to drain water flowing down from the hill. Geo-composite material is being placed between sections of the wall to facilitate the growth of green grass.
NIRM recommendations guide construction
As advised by NIRM, the entry and exit stretches of the highway are also being built at different elevations, with precautions taken to prevent excessive load on the road. Officials said the rehabilitation work will accelerate once the rain stops completely.
Three years ago, when a landslide occurred during construction at Kethikal, a five-member team of NIRM scientists visited the site, conducted a study and submitted a report. Based on its recommendations, rocks are being secured with iron rods in a 'large cage' model to stabilise the soil and build the gabion wall.
"Construction of the highway at Kethikal has been challenged by landslides, and a gabion wall is being built as per NIRM recommendations. The work was halted during the monsoon. It has now resumed, and efforts are under way to find a permanent solution," officials said.