Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has imposed a ban on road digging, hill cutting and soil excavation activities within its jurisdiction from June 1 to September 30 as a precautionary measure to prevent landslides and avoid loss of life and damage to public property during the monsoon season.
The decision has been announced as part of the civic body’s annual monsoon preparedness measures aimed at reducing risks arising from heavy rainfall and unstable terrain conditions. The restrictions are expected to remain in force throughout the peak monsoon period.
Excavation activities prohibited during monsoon
In a statement issued by MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak, the civic authority stated that all forms of excavation work and transportation of soil have been completely prohibited during the specified period.
The move comes in view of safety concerns during the rainy season, when continuous rainfall often weakens soil stability and increases the risk of landslides and mudslides, especially in hilly and sloping areas.
Authorities believe that unregulated excavation activities during heavy rains could create dangerous situations, including road collapses, erosion, and damage to residential and public infrastructure.
The restriction applies to road cutting works, hill excavation, land levelling, and transportation of excavated soil within MCC limits.
Existing construction projects must take precautions
The civic body clarified that construction projects that have already commenced after obtaining necessary approvals from the corporation may continue their work under strict conditions.
According to the statement, owners and developers carrying out ongoing construction activities must undertake adequate precautionary measures to ensure public safety and prevent damage to neighbouring properties.
The corporation specifically directed that proper backfilling and stabilisation measures must be implemented at construction sites. Authorities stressed that excavation pits and altered land surfaces should be secured to avoid soil movement during heavy rainfall.
Officials stated that negligence in adopting safety measures could lead to serious consequences during intense weather conditions.
Owners and engineers to face responsibility
The MCC has also issued a warning regarding accountability in the event of any incident occurring due to negligence.
The statement noted that if any mishap results in loss of human life, injuries, or damage to public or private property, the property owners and the engineers concerned would be held directly responsible.
The corporation’s decision signals stricter monitoring of construction and excavation activities during the monsoon season. Civic authorities are expected to keep a close watch on compliance and may initiate action against those violating the restrictions.
Every year, heavy monsoon rains create challenges in coastal Karnataka, including waterlogging, soil erosion and landslide risks in vulnerable locations. Civic agencies generally implement precautionary restrictions during this period to minimise hazards and ensure public safety.
The latest directive is expected to help reduce risks associated with unstable soil conditions and improve preparedness during the monsoon months. Residents and developers have also been urged to cooperate with the measures and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by the authorities.