Karwar: Satish Sail, a Congress lawmaker, has accused the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the IRB company of negligence in adopting safety measures during the widening of the national highway, which he claims led to the tragic landslide at Shirur.
Sail highlighted that the Geological Survey of India had identified 34 vulnerable landslide sites, including the one at Shirur, but alleged that safety protocols were not followed. He criticized the vertical cutting of hills without constructing protective walls using stone slabs, attributing these lapses to the devastating landslide.
In response to the disaster, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promptly responded to Sail’s request to inspect the search and rescue operations. He has pledged Rs 20 crore towards building a sea wall to prevent erosion in Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts, Sail informed reporters.
Meanwhile, despite ongoing efforts, including assistance from Indian Army and Navy personnel, no survivors or vehicles have been found under the debris at Shirur after seven days of search operations. Efforts have now shifted to the Gangavali river to locate missing individuals and a truck. Specialized equipment such as ground penetration radars and deep search metal detectors are being utilized by the Maratha Light Infantry in the search efforts.
The situation has caused frustration among truck drivers stranded since July 16 due to the blockage of NH 66. On Monday, they protested under Sail’s leadership in Karwar, demanding permission to resume their journeys. While one side of the road has been partially cleared, authorities have yet to allow passage for the drivers.