Rs 94 crore tender approved for protective wall at landslide-prone Sampaje Ghat
Madikeri: In a bid to address the persistent landslide issues along Sampaje Ghat, a Rs 94 crore tender for the construction of protective walls has been approved. The stretch of National Highway 275, spanning 60 kilometers through Kodagu district, has been prone to frequent mudslides during the monsoon season, disrupting traffic and forcing travelers to take longer alternative routes.
Although protective walls were constructed at 18 locations along the stretch in 2019-20, landslides have continued to pose a challenge, as reported by Deccan Herald on Wednesday.
National Highway Madikeri Sub Division Assistant Executive Engineer G.H. Girish stated that constructive walls have been planned in 21 more places for Rs 94 crore and a tender has been passed in this regard.
“Krishi Infratech, an Andhra Pradesh-based company has availed the tender and a year's time (12 months) has been given to complete the work. The walls will come up from Kushalnagar to Sampaje. Katroji, which witnesses frequent landslides every monsoon, is also included," DH quoted Girish as saying.
In another related issue, the protruding slabs of the protective wall of the DC’s office compound along the Mangaluru-Madikeri road have been causing problems for travellers.
Although the Public Works Department (PWD) was tasked with repairing the wall, the work remains unfinished, despite repeated extensions granted by district in-charge minister N. S. Boseraju.
PWD Executive Engineer Ibrahim mentioned that repairs are ongoing at the top of the protective wall, with the work expected to be completed before June 15. “However, delays due to rain are still possible,” DH quoted him as saying.
Ibrahim also reassured that there is no danger of slabs from the protective wall falling onto the road.
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Five held in double murder case in K'taka, mastermind shot at during escape bid
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Vijayapura (PTI): Five people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a double murder case, including the alleged mastermind Akshay Juljule, who was shot in the leg while allegedly trying to escape from police custody.
Speaking to reporters, Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi said, “When the police went to arrest, Juljule tried to flee the spot in a bike. The police first fired in the air, and when the accused attempted to flee, he was shot in the leg.”
Juljule, against whom three cases have been registered, has been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Two policemen were also injured during the operation and admitted to the hospital.
The double murder occurred on Sunday in Kannur village of Vijayapura taluk. The victims were identified as Sagar Belundagi (25) and Isahak Khureshi (24). They were allegedly stoned to death by a group of assailants.
According to police, the killings were an act of revenge.
SP Nimbargi said, “The accused murdered Sagar and Isahak due to this old enmity.”
Those arrested have been identified as Muthana Gowda, Santosh, Sanjay, Bharat, and Akshay. A case of murder has been registered at the Vijayapura Rural Police Station.
Further investigation is underway.
