Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri

Moodbidri, Jun 5: The first spell of heavy monsoon rain has exposed alleged poor-quality and unscientific work in the ongoing National Highway-169 development project, with a portion of the highway near Mijaru being washed away, causing concern among commuters and local residents.

According to locals, a large culvert should have been constructed at the location to accommodate the heavy flow of rainwater. However, a much smaller culvert was reportedly installed, restricting the natural flow of water. As a result, rainwater accumulated and washed away the soil and gravel beneath the road, leading to the collapse of a section of the highway.

Residents said the force of the water has eroded the foundation beneath the roadway, leaving parts of the highway in a vulnerable and potentially dangerous condition. Similar issues have reportedly surfaced at three locations in the Thenka Mijaru area, raising questions about the quality of the highway construction work.

Despite the risk, vehicular movement continues along the affected stretch, with several vehicles, including utility vehicles, navigating through flowing water. Locals fear that further erosion could trigger a major accident if immediate corrective measures are not taken.

Expressing strong dissatisfaction, residents and motorists have blamed the executing agency, DBL Company, for the situation and demanded urgent repairs to the damaged sections. They have also called upon the concerned authorities to intervene immediately and implement preventive measures to avoid accidents and further damage during the ongoing monsoon season.