Government to Take Preventive Steps to Avoid Another Shirur Landslide, Says Minister U T Khader

Ankola: Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister and Uttara Kannada District in charge Minister U T Khader has assured that the government will take all necessary preventive measures to ensure that a tragedy like the Shirur landslide does not happen again.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the ongoing desilting work in the Gangavali River at Shirur in Ankola taluk on Saturday, Khader said the landslide had caused immense pain across the state and highlighted the need for stronger safety measures in vulnerable areas. The river restoration work is being carried out at a cost of ₹4.34 crore.

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The minister said the response to the disaster by MLA Satish Sail, local residents, and officials from various departments was commendable. He also noted that the successful recovery of Kerala lorry driver Arjun’s body had earned appreciation from the people of Kerala, strengthening goodwill towards Karnataka.

Responding to concerns about the possibility of another landslide around 50 metres from the earlier site, Khader said the government would implement all required precautionary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He reiterated that the safety of the public remains the government’s highest priority.

When asked about public concerns over the ongoing National Highway construction being carried out by IRB, the minister said the issue would be discussed in detail with local MLA Satish Sail, the Deputy Commissioner, and officials of the National Highways Authority. He said the authorities would be instructed to ensure that the road work is carried out scientifically with maximum emphasis on public safety.

Former MLA K H Goud, DCC President Sai Gawkar, Block Congress President Manjeshwar Nayak, Pandurang Goud, Sujatha Gawkar, Gopu Nayak Adloor, B D Nayak, Shanti Ager, and several others were present during the inspection.