Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka is reeling after a massive landslide on July 18 claimed the lives of 10 people on National Highway 66 near Shirur village in Ankola taluk. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda reported that the debris swept two tankers—one empty and one full—into the Gangavalli river running along the highway.
The victim’s families will receive a compensation of Rs 5 lakh once the bodies are recovered. Landslides have become more frequent in coastal and hilly areas in recent years, a trend attributed to human activities by experts like Dr. G.S. Srinivas Reddy.
Dr. Reddy notes that only 30% of landslides occur naturally, with the remaining 70% resulting from human interventions such as slope cuts and improper drainage systems. He explains that construction on slopes without adequate support leads to soil erosion and landslides, especially during heavy rains.
Karnataka’s average annual rainfall is 1,550 mm, but the Western Ghats receive 2,500-4,000 mm, with some areas experiencing up to 8,000 mm. This heavy rainfall, combined with increased river flow, exacerbates soil erosion, contributing to landslides. Dr. Reddy emphasizes the need for proper drainage systems when building near hills to prevent water infiltration, which acts like grease, causing land subsidence.
This tragic event underscores the importance of sustainable development and better planning to mitigate such disasters.