Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan M.P. issued a stern warning to the Chief Officer of Bantwal Town Municipal Council, threatening legal action for permitting light vehicle movement on the Panemangalore steel bridge—despite an official ban on its use.

During the District Disaster Management Authority meeting at Praja Soudha on Wednesday, the officer tried to justify the decision by citing a unanimous council resolution. However, District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao firmly rejected the explanation, stressing that vehicular movement must be halted unless a structural stability certificate is obtained from NITK experts.

“No vehicle should ply the bridge until expert approval is secured,” the minister ordered, highlighting safety concerns on the British-era structure.

Rain Damage & Compensation Update

The meeting also reviewed rain-related damages and the status of relief:

  • Rs 1.2 lakh each was disbursed to 82 families whose homes were fully destroyed.

  • Of 705 partially damaged houses, compensation reached 677.

  • Bantwal had the highest number of partially damaged homes (108).

  • Five families who lost members to calamities were compensated.

  • Damage to 2.43 hectares of agriculture and 4.884 hectares of horticulture was reported.

Infrastructure Impact

  • 707 electric poles and 31 transformers were replaced by Mescom, primarily in Belthangady and Sullia.

  • Damage included 22 bridges on highways and 181 bridges declared unsafe.

  • 145 govt buildings, primary schools, and 60 anganwadis were affected.

  • Rs 100 crore proposal was submitted for landslide mitigation, with Rs 27 crore already sanctioned for 36 projects.

  • 92 private lands saw landslides; 34 compound walls collapsed.

The NHAI retaining wall at Ketthikal reportedly gave way under pressure. The minister instructed NHAI to incorporate preventive strategies in DPRs rather than reacting post-disaster.

Authorities have identified 1,992 vulnerable homes, and residents will be relocated during red alerts to ensure safety.

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