Seven Feared Dead in Uttara Kannada Landslide; Minister Orders Immediate Compensation

A landslide in Uttara Kannada district near Shirur on the national highway claimed seven lives, including four family members. Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced immediate compensation. The rescue operation is ongoing, and officials are addressing the construction issues that contributed to the accident.

A landslide on the national highway near Shirur in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada district has likely claimed the lives of seven people, including four members of a single family. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced the government's directive to provide immediate Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased during a legislative session on Tuesday.

The accident occurred as tanker drivers transporting LPG stopped for tea at unauthorized roadside canteens. The landslide swept away the tanker lorry and the canteens into the river. The deceased were identified as Lakshman Naik (47), Shanti Naik (36), Roshan (11), Avantika (6), and Jagannath (55). The body of Shanti Naik was recovered, and rescue operations by the fire brigade and NDRF teams are ongoing.

Minister Gowda criticized the National Highway Authority for ignoring prior warnings about potential landslides due to unscientific road and canal construction. Discussions with highway officials and preventive measures are being implemented to avoid future incidents.