Mangaluru: A fresh landslide occurred at Kettikal hill near Thiruvailu School in Vamanjoor on Tuesday after continuous rainfall triggered the collapse of huge boulders and soil onto the road. The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the stretch, where a similar landslide had occurred just a few days ago.
The latest landslide took place around Tuesday afternoon, with a large quantity of soil and rocks crashing down from the hill. Cracks have also appeared on the hillside, increasing fears of further landslides if heavy rain continues.
Second landslide in a week
The latest incident comes days after soil from the same hill had fallen onto the adjoining highway, forcing authorities to restrict traffic to one side of the road.
Continuous rainfall over the past two days weakened the hill further, resulting in another collapse. The movement of large boulders and loose soil onto the road created fresh safety concerns for commuters using the route.
Officials are monitoring the situation as the unstable hill continues to show signs of distress.
Cracks raise fear of more collapses
Residents said visible cracks have developed across sections of the hill following the latest landslide.
The cracks have heightened concerns that additional portions of the hill may collapse if rainfall persists over the coming days.
Locals have urged the authorities to closely monitor the area and take immediate steps to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of motorists and nearby residents.
Area witnessed repeated landslides
Kettikal experienced multiple landslides at different locations during last year’s heavy monsoon.
Following those incidents, the Deputy Commissioner had instructed officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement adequate precautionary measures at locations where excavation had allegedly been carried out improperly.
The directions were aimed at reducing the risk of landslides and improving the stability of vulnerable hill slopes along the highway.
Residents blame unscientific excavation
Local residents alleged that sufficient preventive measures were not taken near Thiruvailu School despite repeated landslides in the area.
According to them, continued unscientific excavation of the hill has weakened the slope and contributed to recurring landslides during periods of heavy rainfall.
They also pointed out that several houses are located on top of the hill, exposing residents to potential danger if the hill continues to collapse.
The residents have demanded immediate stabilisation work, proper retaining structures and scientific mitigation measures to prevent further incidents.
Authorities urged to act
With fresh cracks appearing on the hill and the monsoon still active, residents have urged the district administration and NHAI to carry out a detailed geological assessment of the site.
They have also called for long-term preventive measures to safeguard motorists, nearby educational institutions and families living close to the vulnerable hillside.
The recurring landslides have once again highlighted the need for effective slope protection and timely intervention in landslide-prone areas of Dakshina Kannada.