Landslide-Affected NH 66 Reopens for Light Vehicles in Uttara Kannada
Mangaluru: Traffic on National Highway 66 stretch near Shiruru village in Uttara Kannada, which had been halted since a landslide struck on July 16, resumed on Thursday with some restrictions.
Officials informed Deccan Chronicle that initially, only light vehicles were permitted to use the highway on Thursday.
To ensure safety, a speed limit of 20 kmph has been imposed on heavy vehicles, and single-lane traffic is being enforced to prevent congestion in the landslide-affected area. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and vehicles are being prevented from parking along the roadside.
The landslide on July 16 led to the disappearance of at least 11 people in Shiruru. Amidst heavy rain, the officials found it difficult to clear the debris deposited on the National Highway and nearby. Deploying modern earth movers the debris was removed and the road cleared. However, the district administration had decided to allow vehicles only after all precautionary measures were taken.
So far, the bodies of eight victims have been recovered, while three remain missing. Search operations continue, though they are being hampered by strong currents in the nearby river, making the recovery efforts difficult.