The authorities in Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka seem to be in deep slumber and have failed to take up permanent restoration of major highways damaged in the landslides in the last two years.
This is pathetic because road works have to be completed before the onset of monsoon in June. The National Highway stretch between Madikeri and Sampaje connecting Dakshina Kannada district and the Perumbadi-Makutta road linking Karnataka and Kerala which were severely damaged during the floods are in a precarious condition.
Two years after the roads suffered major damages during the landslides, the National Highway division of the PWD is yet to take up permanent restoration of the road.
The Madikeri-Sampaje road is critical for Kodagu as major commodities, including fuel, are transported by road to Kodagu from Mangaluru. Also, the coastal districts depend on the road whenever Charmadi Ghat and Shiradi Ghat are blocked due to landslides in the monsoon.
The Perumbadi-Makutta road which is a critical trade link between Kodagu and Kerala is yet to be restored fully following the heavy damage caused during the 2018 rains. The road which was closed for few months, is vulnerable for further damage in the coming monsoon, unless it is restored fully. The road is also an important link to Mattanur international airport in Kerala.
Since Kodagu is a major tourist destination in the country, which is accessible only by road, the Karnataka government should expedite work on permanent restoration of the road network damaged during the floods.
