Karwar: Rain and flood that lashed Uttara Kannada district in August have taken a toll on the infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges. Though it has been a month since normalcy returned, the roads are yet to be restored. This has been causing severe inconvenience to the people.
Maximum damage to highways and main roads of the district have been suffered in Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Mundgod, Joida, Karwar and Kumta taluks. The worst affected are the highways passing through the ghat section.
Huge potholes have surfaced on the highways leaving the vehicle drivers exhausted.
While drivers face a challenge in riding safely on such roads, passengers too have to be careful to ensure that they do not fall from the vehicle.
1,679 km roads damaged
As per a report submitted to the district administration, around 1,679 km roads coming under various departments and divisions have been left damaged due to flood and rain in the district.
“Driving vehicles in the Devimane ghat on Tadas-Kumta State Highway and Nilekani area near Sirsi is almost impossible. One has to be physically fit to cross theseroads. The road is being upgraded to a national highway and so, authorities seemto be least interested in repairing it even temporarily.Toll gates have been set
up even before the works are completed. However, noneare paying attention towards improving the present state of the road,” complained Venkatesh Naik, a car driver of Kurse.
Social media campaign
In Mundgod area, people have launched a social media campaign to draw the attention of the elected representatives and appealing them to get the road repaired.
The posts put up on Twitter and Facebook are being tagged to the elected representatives. Inspite of such efforts being made by people, no response is being received.
Financial burden
“Maintenance of the vehicle is a big headache due to the damaged roads. More
fuel is consumed if the vehicles do not move on top gear. Also, the parts of the vehicles get damaged quite soon and demand frequent repairs. This is proving a financial burden for the people,” said Ravi Naik, a taxi driver of Karwar.
The people of the district are demanding that the elected representatives to repair the roads as soon as possible to prevent major accidents which can take place due to bad roads.
Damage to highways
NH 63
34 km damaged.
Landslide witnessed in Arbail Ghat.
Rs 3.2 Crore needed for temporary repair.
Rs 46 Crore needed for permanent restoration.
Rs 1 Crore needed for repairing 10 bridges.
NH 206
Several landslides witnessed on this road.
Rs 7.2 Crore needed for a permanent restoration.
5 bridges need to be repaired
Rs 1.8 crore needed for repair of bridges.