Convert link road atop Chamundi Hill into trekking path: Experts

“Ban vehicular traffic on the linking road since an alternative motorable route to Nandi Statue is available, in addition to the traditional access by steps. The savings can be used to improve the main road”, observed a six-member technical committee of the Institution of the Engineers.

The government had asked experts of the Institution of Engineers to look into the reasons for four landslides on the Chamundeshwari TempleNandi Statue road atop Chamundi Hill last month due to incessant rains. The committee comprised; Dr.S.G.Vombatkere, M Lakshmana, B.S. Prabhakara, H.S. Suresh Babu, H. Kishore Chandra and M.K.Nanjaiah. The state government may take a decision for slope-protection to preserve and protect the environment of Chamundi Hill, which is a heritage precinct.

According to the engineers, rainwater flowing into the longitudinal gap between the hills, entered the road sub-structure underneath the asphalted surface, weakening it. This exerted additionalpressure on the road and led to water flow underneath it. Due to the heavy rains, the entire hill was saturated with rainwater further weakening the embankment. Due to the combination of these factors, the slope could have become unstable leading to the landslides, the engineers concluded.

Hill slopes which are deforested or devoid of trees and undergrowth cover, are naturally more prone to landslides.

The engineers also observed that while returning to Mysuru from the View-point on the main road, they have seen the road parapet walls tilting outwards. The hillside was not inspected due to the inability to halt the vehicle.