Thiruvananthapuram: The Department of Public Works (PWD) on Friday submitted a report to the government for the damage to the Kallar-Ponmudi road suffered when the Kallar River overflowed on Tuesday.
The road suffered damage worth more than Rs 60 lakh when the river overflowed after heavy rain.
At present, tourism activities at Ponmudi Hill Station and the Kallar Eco tourist center are stopped because Ward Kallar becomes a Covid Detention Zone.
According to the PWD authorities, the road near Kallar has suffered serious damage after the retaining wall that protects the road from the Kallar River was destroyed for more than 75 meters.
Damage has been reported in important places right before the first hair pin curve after the Kallar’s ecotourism ticket counter.
Even though the current road can be reached through one lane, and it is feared that the increase in traffic volume can cause difficulties if extreme care is not maintained, PWD officials who examine the claimed place.
On Friday, the authorities PWD continued a report that informed the government about damage and expressed the need for immediate maintenance work.
Other reports with the estimated budget needed for work will be submitted to the government on Monday.
” According to our assessment, the maintenance work here will need a budget at least Rs 60 Lakh, “said a PWD official attached to the Nedumangad Sub-Division.
It was only last Monday, PWD launched another job worth Rs 27 Lakh to repair the damage suffered On the road during the rain in June.
The road between the 11 and 12 hairpin curves suffered damage at some point after the ground below it eroded.
This produces depression formed on the surface of the road.
Rainwater continues to seep through the gap formed by soil erosion every time it rains, Pose a risk of relenting on the road.
In addition, the obstacle crashes in the 18 hairpin curve has also collapsed during the rain.
The place was closed for a tourist for a few weeks after the damage was reported.
Meanwhile, the police authority said that there was no reason to worry now.
Supervisors Additional police Raj Prasad from the Nedumangad sub division said that despite the damage on the road, Safety of tourists and riders in general can be ascertained through the right traffic management.
” We expect the restrictions on the detention zone in the Kallar ward will be appointed in a few days and in the meantime we take the steps needed to improve traffic management on the road using new tactics, “said the additional police supervisor).
Ponmudi is not the only one who suffered damage.
Two tribal villages in Mannakkudi and devakkal were isolated from land after Pancrayat roads leading to these villages from Kallars destroyed in flash floods that occurred on Tuesday.
Senior Revenue Officials, Police and the PWD Department have visited the area and assess damage Towards maintenance launch work.