Team Mangalorean - Beltangady
from Avinash Ujire
with file pics

Beltangady: Heavy, incessant rains have resulted in landslip at a few spots on the Charmadi ghat road connecting the district centres of Mangalore and Chikmagalur on Sunday. Traffic on the road has been blocked.

In view of cliffs having caved in over about 60 metres, traffic was officially closed for 24 hours, said Dakshina Kannada superintendent of police Abhishek Goyal. The alternative detour via Ujire, Dharmasthala, Kokkada, Periyashanti, Gundya, Shiradi and Sakleshpur route has been suggested. Hundreds of commuters and vehicles were stranded on the way.

Earlier on the day, a truck met with a mishap and traffic got affected. Ghat road Good Samaritan Charmadi Hasanabba led a team of volunteers in clearing the traffic. By afternoon, mud started sliding at the third, sixth and ninth curves around 3 on Sunday.

Trees have fallen across the road at many places. A tree fell on an autorickshaw which was on its way back from Mangalore to Chikmagalur after supplying vegetables. The vehicle fell into a 150-ft-deep gorge. Fortunately, the driver was not inside it while being in a parked state. But a large amount of cash and his mobile phone are said to have fallen off into the precipice.

The block remained even until 7 pm. Tempers flared up as some vehicles tried to overtake others and pass or turn back. Some drivers and passengers reportedly came to blows with each other.

Beltangady circle inspector Bhaskar Rai and his team rushed to the spot to ensure discipline and security at the spot.