Landslide disrupts traffic on NH-75 near Kaukraadi; Areca and rubber plantations damaged

Heavy rainfall in Dakshina Kannada has once again triggered a landslide on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-75) near Mannagundi in Kaukraadi village, leading to a two-hour disruption in vehicular traffic.

According to sources, the landslide occurred on the morning of June 26, as loose soil along the hillside, destabilized by continuous rainfall, slipped onto the road along with trees and vegetation. The incident marks the second landslide in the same spot within just two days, pointing to a fragile terrain further weakened by ongoing rains.

Traffic on both sides of the highway came to a standstill for nearly two hours, with vehicles lined up in long queues. Authorities quickly cleared the debris, after which traffic resumed cautiously.

The landslide-prone stretch had been excavated as part of the NH-75 four-lane highway expansion project, which has made the surrounding hill slopes more vulnerable during the monsoon season.

The heavy rains and landslide have also caused significant damage to agricultural plantations in the nearby Korameru area. Local resident Ramesh Gowda reported the collapse of over 200 fully-grown areca nut trees in his plantation. In addition, K.E. Thomas, another farmer in the region, suffered the loss of more than 250 rubber trees due to the strong winds and soil instability.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the area for further landslide threats, while residents have been advised to stay alert during this period of intense monsoon activity.