Kumta landslide: Contractor told to take precautions

Karwar: The contractor, IRB Infrastructures, engaged to four lane the  National Highway 66 from Kundapur to Karwar was on Monday given strict instructions by the government to take corrective measures in  areas  vulnerable to landslides and prevent a repeat of Sunday's tragedy at Tandrakuli in Kumta taluk, which claimed the lives of three children and left eight others injured.

At a meeting in Honnavar called by the district administration,  IRB was told to review all places that could be prone to landslides and take necessary precautions. They have also been told to park patrol teams in every taluk to meet any emergencies.

IRB officials compensated the families of each of the children killed with Rs 2 lakh in Sunday's landslide and Rs 1 lakh to each of the eight injured on Monday and also agreed to pay for the seven houses damaged in the accident, on the directions of district in-charge Minister, R.V. Deshpande. Civic activists felt it has come a little too late as they had given a warning.

"We had raised our concerns about a possible landslide in the area due to the unscientific work undertaken during the four laning. But no one took notice and our fears have now come true," said Janashakthi Vedike president, Madhav Naik.

"Though places like Baithkol and Binaga are prone to landslides, in several places hillocks are being cut without taking proper precautions. The authorities should identify landslide- prone areas and take steps to prevent such accidents," he said.

Revealing that IRB had agreed to all terms laid down by the district administration on repair of houses and compensation for the victims, Kumta AC,  Ramesh said that they would pay the amount based on the estimate provided by PWD officials. The state government has already handed over '4 lakh to the families  of each of the children killed and is bearing the cost of treatment of the injured. It has also provided compensation of '95,100 to those whose houses were damaged in the mishap.