Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (MS)

Karkala, Mar 19: The repair work of Agumbe Ghat has received a setback yet again. The earlier order of closure of the ghat for repair work from March 19 is postponed temporarily due to the objection raised by zonal wildlife department. The vehicles can move on this ghat as usual. This information was given by deputy commissioner of Shivamogga K A Dayananda.

Though the order was for closing the ghat from March 1, it was postponed in the wake of the second PU examinations. So it was decided to start the repair work from March 19. Right now, there is no information on the specific date on which the work of repairing the ghat will begin.

The news of the postponement of Agumbe Ghat repair work is being shared extensively on social media. But when the assistant deputy commissioner of Udupi district was contacted for confirmation on the same, he expressed ignorance and said that they do not have any information. Even the national highway department has not conveyed any message in this regard. So the ghat closure will continue as planned.

When SP of Udupi district was contacted to confirm the vehicle movement on the ghat, she also expressed that they do not have any information.

K Dayananda, DC of Shivamogga district said, "The national highway department has not yet started repair work. I have spoken to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) with regard to the cutting of trees. Till the issue gets resolved, vehicle movement on the ghat will continue as usual."

The forest officials visited the area, where repair work needs to be carried out, on March 18. The area has huge trees. More area, than permitted, is being used for road. As the permission from the zonal forest wildlife department is not sought, they objected on carrying out the road repair work, it is learnt.