In Sakleshpur taluk, heavy rains and landslides early Tuesday morning resulted in the collapse of the road connecting Kumbaradi and Harle Estate. The road was washed away, and the land subsided to a depth of 80 feet, cutting off five neighboring villages from Hobli and Taluk Headquarters. Villagers in Mallegadde, Kadumane, and Harle are experiencing significant hardship due to the loss of connectivity.
Local residents have raised concerns that the unscientific practices associated with the Yettinahole project are to blame for the landslides. The canal work for the project is reportedly only 200 meters from the landslide site, exacerbating fears and frustrations among the affected communities. As a result of the landslides, villagers have halted agricultural activities and avoided visiting coffee estates, fearing further instability.
Senior officials from the Revenue, Public Works Department (PWD), and Forest Department have visited the area to assess the damage. They have instructed residents to relocate to safer areas as a precaution. Reports indicate that landslides have also affected various stretches of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru NH 75 and other parts of Sakleshpur taluk over the past 24 hours, compounding the crisis in the region.