The State administration has put a comprehensive monsoon emergency management system in place on the vital Chorla Ghat highway connecting Goa and Belagavi.
Heavy machinery and emergency response teams have been deployed round the clock to ensure immediate clearance of any obstruction caused by heavy rainfall, landslides, fallen trees or other natural incidents.
Authorities have also appealed to motorists and passengers travelling through the ghat during the monsoon to drive cautiously, maintain safe speeds and strictly follow official advisories.
Chorla Ghat passes through a dense forest and ecologically sensitive region, making it highly vulnerable to landslides, soil erosion, fallen trees and broken branches during the rainy season.
Such incidents often result in temporary closure of the highway, disrupting traffic for several hours or, at times, an entire day. Keeping these challenges in mind, the administration has undertaken advance planning and preparedness measures this year.
Speaking on arrangements, Sattari Deputy Collector Laxmikant Kurtikar said the Chorla Ghat route serves as a crucial transport corridor between Goa and Karnataka for trade, tourism and daily commuting.
“To minimise disruptions during emergencies, all departments concerned have been instructed to remain on high alert. The revenue department, public works department, national highway authorities, forest department, police, fire and emergency services and local administration are working in close coordination,” said Kurtikar.
A special coordination meeting of all officials concerned has already been held, during which responsibilities were clearly assigned. Highway management authorities have also been instructed to maintain continuous surveillance over vulnerable stretches, while the emergency response mechanism has been strengthened to ensure immediate action whenever required.
JCB excavators, earth-moving equipment and trained personnel have been stationed near the ghat throughout the monsoon season. In the event of a landslide or a tree falling across the road, emergency teams will be rushed to the spot without delay to restore traffic as quickly as possible.
Considering the limited mobile network coverage in several parts of the ghat, alternative communication arrangements have also been made to ensure uninterrupted coordination among various departments. Police and Fire Services will be mobilised immediately whenever necessary.
Nearly a 10-kilometre stretch of Chorla Ghat has been identified as highly susceptible to landslides. Over the past decade, several major incidents have blocked the highway after large quantities of soil and rocks collapsed onto the road, leaving motorists stranded for hours.
This year, all vulnerable locations have been mapped and are being inspected regularly in the morning and afternoon. Contractors are conducting daily assessments, and preventive measures will be implemented immediately wherever signs of slope instability or possible landslides are noticed.
Officials said that if a landslide occurs, machinery will be deployed without delay and every effort will be made to reopen the highway at the earliest.
As the highway passes through dense forest, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds frequently results in trees and large branches falling onto the road, disrupting traffic.
During the past month alone, nearly 20 such incidents have been reported. On each occasion, personnel from the Valpoi Fire and Emergency Services removed the fallen trees and restored vehicular movement.
Firefighters continue to remain on duty despite adverse weather conditions and respond immediately even during night-time emergencies, helping prevent major accidents and prolonged traffic blockages.
Chorla Ghat is well known for its rich wildlife, with gaur, deer, wild boar and other animals frequently crossing the road, especially at night. Reduced visibility during heavy rain further increases the risk of accidents.
The administration has, therefore, advised motorists to drive within speed limits, avoid unnecessary overtaking and exercise extra caution while travelling through the ghat after dark.
Deputy Collector Laxmikant Kurtikar reiterated that the administration has given top priority to public safety and that the entire emergency response system is fully prepared to respond to any incident on the Goa–Belagavi highway.
Through coordinated efforts involving the administration, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Forest Department and highway authorities, every possible effort will be made to keep traffic moving safely and smoothly throughout the monsoon season.
