Cracks in retaining walls and roads in Charmadi Ghat raise concerns

Team Udayavani, Jul 8, 2024, 9:57 AM IST

Beltangady: Several sections of the retaining walls and roadsides in the Chikkamagaluru division of Charmadi Ghat have developed cracks, raising fears of potential wall collapses.

The construction of these retaining walls was nearly completed last summer. However, at 6 to 7 locations, the soil placed beside the walls has been washed away by rainwater, causing the walls to tilt. Additionally, cracks have appeared on the road, according to eyewitnesses.

For several years, multi-million rupee construction projects have been ongoing in the ghat area. With the onset of the monsoon, the condition of the ghat has become concerning. The situation is expected to worsen with increased rainfall in the coming days.

The lack of proper drainage in the retaining wall areas causes rainwater to flow onto the road and into the valley near the walls, eroding the soil behind them. In some places, sandbags and tarpaulins have been used, but they have proven ineffective in providing significant protection.

Increased Danger at Night
Currently, the ghat area is experiencing rainy and foggy weather, necessitating extra caution when traveling at night. Cracks in the retaining walls and roads are difficult to spot in the dark. With waterfalls and streams flowing at full capacity, a substantial amount of water is flowing through the entire ghat region. The force of the water is likely to erode more soil, making it essential for travelers to exercise extreme caution while navigating the ghat area.