The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched monsoon preparedness works in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, with a primary focus on drain cleaning and flood mitigation measures along national highways. NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi stated that Kottara Junction has been identified as the most vulnerable point for flooding during heavy rainfall.
Key Preparedness Measures
Cleaning of rajakaluves and drains in the Kottara area is currently underway as part of the key monsoon preparedness measures. The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal had earlier conducted a study to identify the reasons behind the recurring floods at Kottara chowki. The study recommended the removal of weeds at Bangra Kulur.
According to Javed, the highway stretch at Kottara Junction lies in a low-lying area, and during the monsoon, rainwater from rajakaluves overflows onto the highway. He also pointed to utility pipelines laid inside culverts as a major problem, as they obstruct water flow and reduce carrying capacity. This issue has been raised with local authorities, though many pipelines are part of essential infrastructure works.
Challenges and Contingency Plans
Regarding the construction of an additional culvert at Kottara, Javed said it would be difficult due to limited working days during the rainy season and the need to manage traffic. Such work would require closure of the entire stretch, which is not feasible. When asked about contingency plans if flooding reoccurs despite desilting efforts, Javed noted that the major concern lies with the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) rajakaluves. He added that MCC has already undertaken cleaning work in the area.
Other Vulnerable Locations
Apart from Kottara, junctions such as Hosabettu, Karavali Junction, Kulai, and Pumpwell also face waterlogging issues every year. Drain cleaning activities have already begun at these locations. Responding to questions on monsoon preparedness, Javed said, “We do not have any separate plan, but we have identified the critical areas and started major cleaning works from May 1.”
Speaking about Pumpwell, which witnessed flooding even during pre-monsoon rains, Javed confirmed that cleaning work has already been completed there. He explained that during high tide, river outflow gets blocked, and since Pumpwell is one of the city’s lowest-lying areas, flooding becomes severe. The carrying capacity of the drains is also affected.
Lessons from Previous Years
Referring to Karavali Junction in Udupi, Javed said that cleaning activities carried out last year helped prevent flooding at the junction. “This year too, we have carried out similar works,” he said. However, he added that it is impossible to guarantee that flooding will not occur this year at any location, including Kottara. “But whatever happens, we have a response team that will respond promptly,” he assured.
Javed also revealed that several works have been undertaken across the Thalapady–Kundapura stretch based on observations and performance assessments from previous years. Across this stretch, NHAI has carried out crack sealing on the main carriageway, completed pipeline installations using the HDD method, cleaned more than 30 culverts, cleared line drains, median chutes, and unlined drains, and deployed a dedicated monsoon maintenance team.
