Movement hit as heavy vehicles barred for 2 months
The landslide which caused a stretch of the Belagavi-Goa highway to cave in at Anmod Ghat.
Photo Credits: Nikhil Asukar
BELAGAVI
A portion of the Belagavi-Goa highway caved in following a landslide at the Anmod Ghat on Saturday, prompting the Uttara Kannada district administration to impose a ban on heavy vehicles travelling on the road for two months.
The damaged section lies within Goa limits, below the Dudhsagar temple area, raising serious concerns about more landslides.
Following the development and the landslide on one side of the highway, Goa Police swiftly intervened by installing barricades and enforcing one-way traffic to prevent accidents. However, the move has led to significant traffic congestion, with long lines of vehicles reported in the ghat section.
The highway passing through Anmod Ghat is a vital link between Karnataka and Goa. The region is known for landslides during the monsoon season, and this year’s heavy rainfall appears to have triggered early signs of slope instability.
The Belagavi-Goa National Highway passing through Anmod Ghat is a crucial route connecting the states of Karnataka and Goa.
Every year during the monsoon, there is a danger of landslides in this ghat section.
Due to the ongoing heavy rains, cracks approximately 50 metres long have developed on the road from Dudhsagar temple towards Goa. As a result, travelling on this stretch has become hazardous.
Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police M Narayan has advised motorists not to use the Ramnagar-Goa road of the NH 4A as a precautionary measure. Instead, they could use other alternative routes to reach Goa, he has said in a release.
Officials fear that any further landslide could result in a complete closure of the route, severely impacting movement between the two states.
Authorities from Goa and Karnataka are closely monitoring the situation, while commuters have been advised to proceed with caution or consider alternative routes if possible.
Essential service vehicles and passenger buses allowed
MARGAO: South Goa District Magistrate Egna Cletus has banned heavy vehicles on the Anmod Ghat section (NH-748) from Karnataka towards Ponda-Goa till July 2 after a landslide damaged the road. Essential service vehicles and passenger buses are allowed. Police will monitor traffic, while the PWD has been asked to repair the road within 60 days and submit a stability report. The order was issued to prevent accidents and further damage.
