Mangaluru – Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan visited Kettikal, a region affected by a severe landslide during last year’s monsoon, and directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to complete a scientifically designed retaining wall before the next monsoon season begins.
Last year’s landslide disrupted NH traffic and forced evacuation of several hilltop homes. It also posed a threat to a large wet well project under construction by the Mangaluru City Corporation in the same area. In response, a comprehensive drainage system is now being installed to safely direct hill runoff into the wet well, with NHAI officials assuring completion before the rains.
Gabion Wall for Lasting Stability
To provide a permanent solution, the site was surveyed by the Department of Mines and Geology and guided by experts from the National Institute of Technology’s Mechanical Engineering division. Based on their inputs, a modern Gabion wall is being constructed—using stone-filled iron mesh cages, arranged in four-tiered levels along the slope. This structure is designed to stabilize the hillside, protecting homes and roadways from further landslides.
Enhanced Road Safety in Gurupura
The DC also instructed the NH-169 contractor, DBL, to construct cement retaining walls and stone linings on both sides of the newly built road near the Gurupura bridge to prevent soil erosion. Additional drainage systems will ensure safe water flow without affecting the highway’s integrity.
Relief for Displaced Families
Approximately eight families had been displaced last year. Temporary measures kept them safe through the monsoon, and with the permanent retaining wall now under construction, DC Mahilan confirmed that all residents will be safely resettled post-completion.
Officials from NHAI, MCC, Mines and Geology, and DBL accompanied the DC on the inspection.
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