Cracks on Mangalore-Madikeri route make commuting difficult

Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (DV/EP)

Sullia, Aug 5: Heavy rains in the region over the past few days have resulted in landslides, which in turn have damaged the Mangalore-Madikeri road along the ghat section.

The Mysore state highway in Garemuri between Koyanadu and Devarakoli has developed cracks and district administration had banned vehicles from plying on this road. However it has cancelled the orders after public protests and the road is once again free for traffic.

The crack was noticed on Garemuri about 50 metres away from the forest office on July 29. It widened by July 31 and measured about 2 inches. The Coorg district administration was worried that it may widen further if heavy vehicles ply on it and closed the road for them on August 1.

The heavy vehicles which used to climb the hill via Sampaje, Madikeri and Mysore to reach Bangalore were made to return from Sampaje and had to climb Shiradi ghat via Subrahmanya.

The SI who refused to let the vehicles unless KRDCL engineer certifies of the safety, agreed to let the vehicles on either side of the crack till the spot, due to wide protests. The engineer who came on August 4, has declared that there will be no further damage to the road by the traffic. The road is now free for traffic as before.

The public buses which were coming from Sullia till Sampaje were compelled to return on Saturday. They had to continue their journey by Jeep or vans. The people protested against it on Sampaje gate on Saturday. They had to shell out Rs 100 for jeeps or vans and continue the journey.
 
The locals, however, maintaing that ban was not necessary. "The road may not be suitable for lorries carrying very heavy loads but buses could ply without any difficulty. The vehicles could pass avoiding the spot of crack also. The officials are allowing heavy vehicles to pass by taking money. The decision of the administration was taken in haste. They should repair roads and allow free flow of traffic instead of banning it for a month," say the locals.