Mysuru: Though Kodagu hasn't received heavy rainfall so far, a crack has already been detected in a portion of the NH 275 at Sampaje Ghat, which connects Madikeri and Mangaluru.
This road stretch was damaged in landslides during the heavy South-West Monsoon showers in August last year and was temporarily restored. Permanent measures are yet to be taken to restore the road as this would require an amount of Rs 47 crore and approval of the ministry of road transport and highways, New Delhi.
Elected representatives, NHAI authorities and Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy visited the spot on Friday and ensured temporary restoration work. This is a major connecting road and as the alternative road is not too good, it has created anxiety among commuters.
According to a report submitted by NHAI authorities to the Kodagu district administration, a longitudinal surface crack appeared on Wednesday for a length of about 8 metres. The crack has been sealed with cement slurry to avoid further entry of water into it. Measures have been taken to drain off the surface water on the carriage way (of the road) to safer places.
They further stated in the report, "There were nine critical locations where side slopes collapsed in Sampaje Ghat of NH 275 last year. Action was taken to restore side slopes temporarily by providing sand bags to facilitate traffic movement. For permanent work, the matter was referred to Indian Institute of Science and retired professor of IISc, Mr B.R. Srinivasmurthy inspected Sampaje Ghat on January 26 this year and suggested a retaining wall, soil nailing, micropilling and shotcreting.
Accordingly, an estimate was prepared for Rs 47 crore and approval is awaited from the ministry of road transport and highways," NHAI authorities stated in the report. Kodagu has received 483.34mm of rainfall so far from January while last year during the same period, it had received 1361.03mm of rainfall.
