Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Jul 19: The incessant monsoon rains lashing the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have caused hill collapses in all the ghat sections connecting these districts to the rest of the state. There is an imminent danger of these regions becoming isolated from the rest of Karnataka.

In addition to disrupted contact, there may be a scarcity of fruits and vegetables in the twin districts, as most supplies come from Bengaluru and other districts.

Due to a hill collapse in the Sakleshpur stretch of Shiradi Ghat, vehicular traffic is prohibited, with barricades placed at Mani. A large crack has developed at Kartoji near Madenadu on the Mani-Mysuru national highway, raising concerns about a nearby hill collapsing onto the road. Kodagu's DC has ordered a four-day traffic prohibition on this road starting at 8 PM on Thursday, July 18.

The hill that collapsed on the Mangaluru-Goa highway at Shiroor of Ankola on Tuesday remains uncleared, blocking traffic on that road.

Currently, only Charmadi Ghat, Nagodi Ghat Road, and Mala Ghat are in motorable condition. While hill collapses have occurred in some parts of Hulikal Ghat, vehicles are still moving. However, the closure of other ghats has significantly increased traffic on Hulikal Ghat, raising the risk of further collapses and traffic stoppages. Bisile Ghat remains difficult for vehicle movement due to its narrowness.