Heavy rain damages 463 km of roads in Hubballi-Dharwad

HUBBALLI: Continuous heavy rain in November has not only destroyed crops throughout the region, but has also severely damaged roads in the twin cities.
Given HDMC's financial situation, only patchwork solutions can be expected as immediate measures. According to a survey conducted by Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, 406kms of roads in the twin cities were damaged during the monsoon due to flood-like situations, costing Rs 145 crore. Heavy rain that lashed the twin cities for a few days beginning November 17 damaged 56.93km of road stretches, with a loss estimated at Rs 33.9 crore, and rain is still falling, so further damage to the roads is possible.
So far this year, rain has damaged 463.2 km of road stretches, with a total loss estimated at Rs 178.9 crores. Due to financial constraints, HDMC officials are finding it difficult to make provisions for funds to restore road conditions. According to sources, the HDMC can only get Rs 60,000 per km under the NDRF to repair roads damaged by heavy rain.
E Timmappa, superintending engineer, said that the tender process for the patchworks that have already begun has been completed, and a work order has been issued to the contractor. Under the HDMC's general grant, Rs 3.5 crore will be spent to repair 37,778 square metres of damaged roads in both Hubballi and Dharwad.
Patchwork on damaged roads was supposed to begin in November, but it didn't because of unexpected November rainfall. Once the rain stops, pothole filling and road patching will begin, he said.
Dharwad district minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa stated that roads have been severely damaged as a result of unexpected rain. He said he has met the officials concerned, including Smart City officials, and directed them to begin road restoration and repair work.
Patchwork on damaged roads was supposed to begin in November, but it didn't because of unexpected November rainfall. Once the rain stops, pothole filling and road patching will begin, he said.
Dharwad district minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa stated that roads have been severely damaged as a result of unexpected rain. He said he has met the officials concerned, including Smart City officials, and directed them to begin road restoration and repair work.