Shivamogga: The Shivamogga district administration on Friday permitted the movement of light vehicles in the Hulikal Ghat. Shivamogga district additional deputy commissioner V Abhishek issued an official order to this effect. Light vehicles were allowed to use the Thirthahalli-Kundapura State Highway-52 from Friday. On April 9, during ongoing roadwork at a hairpin bend in Hulikal Ghat, a 5-foot landslide occurred underneath a 12-metre-high concrete road.Tragically, this massive mound of loose soil caved in unexpectedly on the labourers working at the site, resulting in the death of three construction workers. As cracks also appeared on the road surface, all types of vehicular movement were completely banned from Masti Katte to Hosangadi as a safety precaution, and alternative routes were arranged. Later, for the convenience of commuters, a shuttle service was facilitated using steps near the Chandikamba Temple.Currently, a retaining wall has been constructed at the curve, and the road has been temporarily repaired using concrete, officials said.This decision was taken after reviewing the reports and proposals submitted by the executive engineer of the public works department, the superintendent of police and the regional transport officer, the ADC said.As there is still possibility of landslide in the ghat section, several precautionary measures have been implemented for public safety, including the installation of retaining walls, warning signs, information boards, and ‘Cat’s Eyes’ and solar studs for the safety of night-time commuters.
