Kodagu: The 40-ft retaining wall built beside Madikeri – Mangaluru National Highway to protect the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner’s Office complex is on the verge of collapse. Since Saturday July 16 PWD authorities have diverted traffic from Mangaluru – Madikeri road to Mekeri.
The DC Office complex constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 14.4 Crore just 8 years ago. After 2018, 2019 landslides in various parts of the District, the authorities decided to construct a revetment wall to protect the building. The retaining wall construction began in June 2021 and due to continuous rains, the contractor had to stop work for a few months. Only 75 per cent of the works could be completed till now and major works on the sides and the top portion is yet to be completed.
The wall is over 140 metres in length and the height is over 40 feet. Mysuru- based Ayyappa Constructions is undertaking the works at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.2 Crore. The work was supposed to be completed in December 2021 and as per the present progress of the works and the obstacles put by incessant rains and weather conditions, it looks like it will take another six to eight months for the project to complete.
But following heavy rains for 15 days the slabs fixed to the retaining wall have been coming out. People living on the lower side of the road are fearing collapse. Just a week ago D. Nagaraju, Executive Engineer, Kodagu Division Public Works Department (PWD), clarified that the slanting of the Reinforced Earth Wall (RE Wall) up to two to three inches outside in some places and two to three inches inside has caused concern among the public about the safety of the DC Office and also the way the works are being undertaken. He said the wall is being constructed and strengthened in three stages. Firstly, the soil nailing process is done where 15-metre iron rods are inserted into the mud wall with the help of machines and 645 soil nails have been inserted and have been strengthened using cement grouting.
The next process is to fix the entire outer surface with steel mesh with five hooks. These hooks (geo strap belts) are further strengthened with concrete slabs. The press note said that as an elaborate scientific process is followed, there are little chances of the RE Wall slipping away.
He was told that these walls might slide up to three inches inside and out. But they will not fall on top of each other or tumble. On July 5, a technical team visited the spot from Bengaluru and recommended certain measures to be taken further and it is under process. There is no need for panic or concern and the public should not listen to rumours. But within a week of his clarification, the slabs of the wall coming out caused fear of a landslide.
Speaking to News Karnataka, District Congress Committee President Dharmaja Uthappa alleged that rampant corruption had taken place in every construction work in District. He said the revetment wall would collapse at any moment owing to poor construction work. He said 40 per cent commission led to this poor work. He urged the Government to take stern action against the contractor of the retaining wall. He also urged for a COD probe into the whole construction work.
