Sirsi-Kumta NH 766E hit by landslide; traffic diverted, clearance underway

Sirsi: A landslide disrupted traffic on the Sirsi-Kumta stretch of National Highway 766E near Devimane Kshetrapala Temple on Sunday morning.

The incident occurred around 8 AM when a large mass of mud and boulders collapsed onto the road, completely halting vehicular movement. National Highways Authority officials, along with staff from RNS Infrastructure, began clearing operations immediately.

Engineer Govind Bhat stated that if rainfall remains mild and no further landslides occur, the road clearance is likely to be completed by Sunday night.

The landslide occurred in the Devimane Ghat section of Kumta taluk, initially completely blocking the road. After the first round of clearance, authorities began allowing single vehicles to pass through with caution.

Though heavy vehicles have been restricted on this route since last year, light vehicles were being allowed, officials noted.

The NH expansion work under the Sagarmala Project has been progressing sluggishly over the past five years, with a total cost crossing Rs 320 crore. A temporary bridge near Raghihosalli was also washed away during heavy rains last month, disrupting traffic for several weeks.

Notably, just last Friday night, three passengers narrowly escaped when boulders crashed dangerously close to their vehicle. Such incidents have become frequent due to unscientific hillside cutting, raising serious safety concerns.

Alternative routes have now been advised. Vehicles from coastal and Malnad regions headed to North Karnataka can use the Ankola-Yellapur highway or travel via Karwar through the Mabage Ghat or through Honnavar, Gerusoppa, and Mavinagundi to reach Sirsi.

In 2019, a similar landslide occurred at the same location. With trees and boulders continuing to fall during rains, motorists are travelling under constant fear. Many believe the negligence of RNS and authorities is contributing to repeated disasters and public danger.