Madikeri: Raja Seat, one of Madikeri’s most popular tourist attractions, reopened to visitors on Monday after a brief closure triggered by a minor landslide in the city. However, traffic congestion persisted as the City Municipal Council (CMC) continued repair work on a road near the KSRTC bus stand that was on the verge of collapse.To prevent traffic snarls around Raja Seat, Kodagu deputy commissioner SJ Somashekar had ordered the temporary closure of the tourist spot.On July 7, the footpath adjoining the road near the KSRTC bus stand caved in, posing a threat to the road stretch. The road was immediately closed, and repair works were initiated to stabilise the damaged section.Residents alleged that a Rs 40 lakh retaining wall project, undertaken a few months ago, triggered the slide. The project, funded under the disaster management fund, included plans to extend the footpath, construct a retaining wall and create space for street vendors. However, the work remained incomplete for nearly a month. Residents claimed that unscientific execution of the project led to the landslide and demanded an inquiry into the matter.The road closure caused significant inconvenience to commuters and pedestrians. Motorists were forced to take lengthy detours due to traffic restrictions imposed after the collapse. KSRTC and private buses were also diverted through alternate routes.CMC commissioner Ramesh said restoration work was being carried out by the contractor who constructed the retaining wall. “No additional funds have been released for the work,” he said.He added that sandbags had been placed along the damaged footpath and the road was being strengthened by filling and compacting soil. “After the work is completed, we will obtain a road safety certification from the engineer concerned. The road will be reopened to traffic only after receiving it,” he said.
