PWD prepares action plan to restore river embankment

Department official says permanent restoration could be done before next monsoon

The Public Works Department is yet to begin permanent restoration works at Shiradi Ghat.

In anticipation of a report of technical experts from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bengaluru, the National Highways Division of the Public Works Department has prepared an action plan to permanently restore the damaged river embankment along a 26-km concreted stretch of the Shiradi Ghat on NH 75.

The team visited Shiradi Ghat in October and sought a couple of months time to provide a detailed report as to the measures to be taken to restore the river embankment which got damaged during monsoon, said M. Ganesh, Chief Engineer of PWD’s NH division.

Even without taking up permanent restoration works, the stretch is capable of taking truck traffic, Mr. Ganesh told

The Hindu adding the department has written to the district administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Hassan that truck traffic may be allowed on the concreted stretch of Shiradi Ghat.

Embankment of Kempu Hole had collapsed in at least 12 locations along the ghat this August due to torrential rains.

The administration had completely banned traffic on the stretch for over a month and allowed small vehicles in September.

Later, passenger buses were allowed while trucks are yet to be allowed to play via Shiradi Ghat.

Truck operators have intensified their demand to allow heavy goods vehicles via Shiradi Ghat stretch claiming their livelihood is being severely affected with the ban. They are forced to spend more money and time travelling circuitous routes, the operators have said urging the administration to immediately lift the ban.

Mr. Ganesh said the department, pending the IISc. report, has tentatively planned to go for ABN walls to restore the battered embankment of Kempu Hole along the ghat. Constructing concrete retaining walls will be a costly affair, he said. Locally available stones packed in plastic bage would be utilised to build ABN retaining walls, he said.

Allowing trucks on the stretch will not affect undertaking permanent restoration works, Mr. Ganesh said adding the works could be completed before the next monsoon.