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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Veteran Tamil film producer Rajan dies after jumping into Adyar River
Chennai (PTI): Veteran Tamil film producer K Rajan died after jumping into the Adyar River in the city on Sunday, police said.
Police said it appears to be a case of suicide, though the reason for his extreme step was not immediately known.
The 85-year-old film personality asked his driver to stop the car while crossing the Adyar bridge and suddenly got out and jumped into the river, police sources said.
The driver immediately alerted Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem.
Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.
Rajan entered the Tamil film industry as a producer in the early 1980s. Apart from producing films, he also directed a few movies.
He also served as president of a film distributors’ association.
Top leaders of political parties, including the two Dravidian majors—the DMK and AIADMK—expressed shock and grief over his death and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Former Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin said Rajan had always boldly raised his voice for the welfare of small film producers and the overall development of the film industry.
“He had always urged that Tamil films be titled in Tamil,” Stalin said in a statement, adding that Rajan consistently fought for the rights of ordinary workers in the film industry.
AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said Rajan’s voice was important in securing recognition for small-budget films in the Tamil film industry.
Among others who condoled his death was PMK founder S Ramadoss. Leaders from various parties also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
“This is terrible news. Deeply shocked to hear about the demise of our beloved member of the film fraternity, producer K Rajan sir,” actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar said in a post on social media platform X.
“He was a very respectful person and someone who never hesitated to call a spade a spade. This is very upsetting. May his soul rest in peace,” she added.
