46 deaths in 6yrs: Mandya plans guardrails along VC

Mandya: In the past six years, the Visvesvaraya Canal (VC) claimed the lives of 46 individuals due to accidents, prompting local authorities to take immediate action to improve road safety and prevent further fatalities.
Mandya MLA Ravikumar personally compensated the families of those who lost their lives in the most recent accident at the VC, according to Mandya district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy. "I will also make efforts to request additional compensation from the chief minister," he stated.
He expressed condolences for the loss and urged young people to exercise greater caution while driving on the banks of the VC, emphasising that accidents are not confined to bad roads. "Regardless of compensation, no family can ever find peace after such a loss," he added. The minister stressed the importance of careful driving, particularly in high-risk situations.
Regarding efforts to prevent further accidents, the minister outlined plans for the construction of barriers all along the VC. "An estimate for the road and barrier construction has been prepared. The contractor delayed the work, but we will instruct them to complete it without further delay. Barriers are already being built at other critical locations, including one where an accident occurred near Pandavapura. I've also instructed the deputy commissioner to ensure approval for the project by the end of this month," he confirmed.
The VC has seen a disturbing series of accidents over the years.
Tragic incidents
Nov 24, 2018: A bus fell into the VC near Kanagananradi, Pandavapura taluk, leading to the drowning of 31 people.
July 27, 2023: A car overturned into the VC near Tibbannahalli, Mandya taluk, resulting in one fatality.
July 29, 2023: A car fell into the canal near Gamanahalli, Srirangapatna taluk, claiming four lives.
Nov 8, 2023: A car plunged into the VC near Banaghatta, Pandavapura taluk, leading to the death of five people from Tumkur.
March 12, 2024: A car overturned and fell into the canal near Avverahalli, Mandya taluk, killing one person.
Aug 5, 2024: A tractor overturned near Kalennalli, Pandavapura taluk, resulting in one death.
Feb 3, 2025: A car overturned and fell into the VC near Machahalli, Mandya taluk, causing the deaths of three people.