Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Mar 12: The Shiradi ghat stretch of the national highway between Mangalore and Bangalore is in a very bad condition.  The other ghat road, Charmadi, has also suffered so much damage that it has been decided to close it again, after a gap of around two years, for conducting exhaustive repairs.

The last time repair works were undertaken here, light vehicles used to move through the stretch that is dotted with some breathtaking, panoramic views of the nature's bounty, the Western Ghats are endowed with. Barricades had been erected, and those who paid tips to the guards were given free entry into the ghat section.

Charmadi ghat road is known for some of the most scenic spots in the state and treacherous hair-pin bends. This section also houses some of the most sought-after tourism spots and trekking routes. For about three months from now on, the tourists will be deprived of the awe-inspiring journey on this section, as the contractors who have taken over repairs of the stretch that has suffered dangerous cave-ins, to completely keep the stretch inaccessible to motorists by erecting permanent road blocks on both sides.  Henceforth, the people will have to take a detour through the Shiradi route to reach Chikmagalur, Davanagere, Shimoga etc.

Those living in the forests within Charmadi ghat section will be facing untold miseries because of the absence of vehicular movement on the road for over three months. Most of these families are faced with the need to visit Moodigere or Ujire often for their daily needs. There is no ready-made solution to their problems, which will be more prominent in case of ill health and other emergencies like fire. The contractors can not do away with the construction of permanent blockades, as it will provide an opportunity for vehicular movement, adversely affecting the repair works. There is a compulsion for them to finish the works before the onset of the monsoon, which is just about three months away from now.