DHNS

Kudremukh, Aug 4: The road which once boasted of being the most scientifically laid road is today facing the threat of losing its identity due to the tiff between two government departments. The road in question is the Kudremukh-Karkala road, which connects the coastal region with the Malnad for over three decades. This road today is breathing its last due to lack of management and maintenance.

The road was laid by the Land Army in the 70s when the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company started its functions here. Laying of the road was not an easy task. It was laid after clearing dense forest and after that ever since the road was laid, the KIOCL took responsibility of cleaning up the road when there was a landslide along this road so that the traffic is not affected.

After KIOCL was wound up, the company has lost interest on the road. As a result, there is nobody to care for and bother about this road. Last month, there were landslides along the road and several loads of mud was accumulated on the road. The drains on either side of the road too were filled. During heavy rains, the roads are in mess as large quantity of water is being collected on the road. The slippery roads are becoming the cause for several major accidents. The local residents fear that if the road is left in the same condition, then the road will be spoilt to large extent by the end of this monsoon. 
 
Further, the wild trees have grown luxuriously covering the roads. Due to this, the drivers are facing problems in manoeuvring the curves. While this important road is facing so many problems, the Public Works Department is still in sound sleep. The sources in PWD informed that since the road lies in Kudremukh National Park jurisdiction, the Forest Department is creating problems in clearing the sides of the roads.

With the deteriorating conditions of the road, the local residents are now suspicious that the only link between Malnad and coastal districts will soon reach the verge of closure due to acute damages.