Retention walls being built on Kotagiri ghat road

Incessant rains during the northeast monsoon season triggered landslides in several spots including Erisibetta along the roadsides. The mud slid down the road for about 30 metres, resulting in houses being perched on the steep slope in a precarious condition.

The Highways department then placed sand bags to prevent further mud slips and residents were asked to move to safer places in order to avoid any tragedy.

It was then decided to construct a retention wall for about 40 metres and Rs 20 lakh was allocated for the same. The High way department officials claimed that construction works are underway in a fast phase and is expected to get over in a few weeks’ time.

The villagers said they were fortunate that their houses did not collapse during the land slip. “Still our worst fears may become a reality if there is another such downpour. We are happy that our demand to build a retention wall has been accepted and works are going on at a rapid phase,” said N Marthandan, a local villager.