Landslide near Yedapadavu Hill disrupts highway work

Mangaluru: While the construction of the Sanur-Mangaluru National Highway is progressing smoothly at several stretches, a section near Yedapadavu has raised serious concerns due to an unexpected landslide near the Ballal Hinge factory.

During the highway expansion works, soil was excavated up to a depth of 30 feet from a hillside adjacent to the highway. This has led to the collapse of the slope, creating a dangerous situation.

How did it happen?

The new highway route from Ganjimutt passes through the rear side of Yedapadavu city. As part of the work, a hilly area near the Ballal factory had to be levelled to match the lower terrain of Yedapadavu.

Although the levelling work began before the onset of monsoon, the deep excavation caused the left side of the slope to collapse. Accumulated silt and standing water in the area weakened the soil, triggering the landslide. Sixteen electricity poles, including one transformer, were brought down.

Existing road under threat

The existing highway lies to the right of the collapsed section. With soil already falling from the left, there is fear of further collapse. If the right side weakens as well, the current road—used daily by hundreds of vehicles—could be at serious risk. Even a slight deviation by a vehicle from the road could result in accidents.

The area where the hill has been excavated also has a natural spring. With continued rainfall, further slides are likely. Trees atop the remaining hill pose an added threat if the slope gives way further.

Toll gate preparations at Suralpady

A toll gate is under construction at Suralpady within Ganjimutt Gram Panchayat limits. Locals say that toll gate installation may be completed before the highway project concludes. The road has already been widened at the proposed toll location. Structural work for the toll building is complete, while the overhead arch remains under construction.

Demand for underpass at Yedapadavu

The Niddodi–Muchcharu–Ganjimutt road, now upgraded to a state highway, will soon link with NH-169 near the Ballal factory in Yedapadavu. It will later connect to Kuppepadavu town. In view of this, there is a growing demand for an underpass near the Ballal factory for smooth connectivity.

The Yedapadavu Gram Panchayat has formally urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to construct an underpass linking yedapadavu and Kuppepadavu roads.

Highway to bypass Yedapadavu town

The new highway alignment bypasses Yedapadavu town and runs through the outskirts, including areas behind the Yedapadavu Panchayat office. It eventually reaches the front of Swami Vivekananda PU College, merging with the existing road. The stretch between Ballal factory (excluding the hillside section) and the college has already been laid.

Drainage water damaging farmland in Shibrikere

Speaking to Udayavani Sudina, Yedapadavu GP vice president Gangadhar Poojary said, “Before levelling the hill, large rocks were removed. That itself caused several issues. A retaining wall should have been built to stabilise the slope, but that was not done. The area naturally collects drainage water, and now that water is flowing into agricultural lands in Shibrikere. It appears no proper planning was done to manage stormwater during the highway construction.”