Karnataka CM Blames Unscientific Road Construction for Shiradi Ghat Landslide

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah blamed the Shiradi Ghat landslide on unscientific road construction methods, criticizing the decision to cut hills at a 90-degree angle. He proposed that cutting hills at a 30 to 45-degree angle with retaining walls could prevent such incidents, and demanded safety tests for future projects.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attributed the landslide at Shiradi Ghat to the unscientific strategy of cutting hills at a 90-degree angle for road construction. Expressing shock and outrage, he questioned the National Highways Authority's Regional Officer about the road construction methods employed.

The Chief Minister, who arrived at the scene with a team of officials, strongly criticized the decision to cut hills at such steep angles to save costs. 'Isn't this unscientific?' he asked, highlighting the lack of soil quality tests and safety measures before initiation of the work.

Siddaramaiah suggested that a more prudent approach of cutting hills at a 30 to 45-degree angle and constructing retaining walls might have averted the tragedy. He noted the region's heightened rainfall as a contributing factor to increased landslides and urged the acquisition of more land to avoid 90-degree cuts. The Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to brief Union Minister Nitin Gadkari about the concerns. Hassan District In-charge Minister Rajanna, MLA Shivlinge Gowda, MP Shreyas Patel, Public Works Department Secretary Satynarayan, and senior officials were also present.

(With inputs from agencies.)