Min: Report will be sought on Hulikal Ghat soil collapse

Shivamogga: Shivamogga district minister Madhu Bangarappa on Tuesday announced that a comprehensive report regarding the soil collapse during the construction of the Hulikal Ghat road — a vital link between malnad and coastal regions — will be sought, and strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty.The minister visited the ongoing retaining wall construction site in Hosanagara taluk. After inspecting the work progress and the site of the landslide alongside officials, he told reporters that govt views this matter seriously. Officials and contractors who failed to implement proper safety precautions will face severe consequences to ensure justice for the victims, he warned.He stated that a high-level meeting would be held with the public works minister and relevant department heads to ensure the remaining work is completed immediately and systematically. He reassured the locals of his commitment to resolving their grievances and providing a permanent solution to the regional infrastructure issues.PWD is constructing a permanent RCC retaining wall at the landslide-prone area of the ghat. The first phase of this project was undertaken with a budget of Rs 435 lakh. Special priority is being given to improving the narrow hairpin curves.During the visit, locals submitted a memorandum requesting a permanent solution and adequate funding for smooth transit through the ghat. Malnad Areas Development Board chairman R M Manjunatha Gowda, PWD superintendent engineer Ganesh were present.