Madikeri: In view of the landslides that occur in various parts of the Chettalli-Madikeri road every year during the monsoon, landslide prevention work has begun under the state disaster relief fund. Based on a survey, close to Rs 6.8 crore has been sanctioned for landslide prevention and disaster relief work in 104 places in Kodagu district. Accordingly, the work is being carried out in various dangerous areas of Chettalli-Madikeri road.A PWD engineer said that Rs 1.3 crore has been released for the work of about 180 metres in length, and the work started last week. He said that the identified roadside ditches are being dug, a retaining wall is being constructed and drainage works are being carried out.Locals have expressed concerns about the work timing. They said that the work is being undertaken at the beginning of the rainy season and that there is a possibility of disruption to traffic. Although about 25 drains have been constructed on the Chettalli-Kathlekadu road in the past, only three drains are working as rainwater is flowing smoothly, while the rest are clogged with mud and garbage, locals said. There is no proper system for rainwater to flow in the areas where the work is being done, so the water is flowing on the road.The public has expressed concern that many concrete drains on the Chettalli-Kathlekadu road are already blocked, and rainwater will not only flow onto the main road, damaging the road, but also increase the possibility of flooding the next slope. Locals have demanded that the authorities concerned immediately take necessary steps to clean the drains and ensure smooth flow of rainwater.
