Two earthmovers buried under debris
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
MAYEM/BELGAUM: Four workers were injured, while two earthmovers were buried in a landslide at the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project site near Kankumbi, about 50 kms from Belgaum, on Tuesday morning.
According to sources in Karnataka Neeravari Nigam (KNN) Ltd, the incident occurred at about 10.30 am when there was a major landslide in which two JCBs were buried under the debris.
Speaking to Herald, KNN Assistant Executive Engineer Madhusudan said that the incident took place near the Mauli Temple on the place where River Malaprabha originates near Kankumbi where a deep trench is being dug for the construction of a tunnel meant for the water diversion from Kalsa rivulet to River Malaprabha.
When contacted, Khanapur police informed that four persons including the operators of the JCB were among those who were injured. The injured workers have been admitted to the Civil Hospital in Belgaum. A case is registered at Khanapur police station.
While an enquiry is being initiated regarding the incident, environmentalists have expressed fear of more such incidents due to heavy excavation of the forest land in the area that has become fragile.
Kankumbi Sarpanch Deepak Wadekar, who visited the site, said: “Though I am aware of the incident, I am not sure whether any labourer is trapped under the debris.”
Contractor Mallesh Patil, who is looking after the work, said most of the workers managed to come out from the debris and hence there are hardly chances of anybody getting buried.
Meanwhile, Mhadei Bachao Abhyaan Secretary Rajendra Kerkar, who
inspected the site, expressed dissatisfaction about the ongoing illegal work of the Kalsa Bhandura project.
It may be recalled that Goa and Karnataka are at loggerheads over the project. Karnataka Niirawari Nigam had started the work of Kalsa canal on war footing from November and a large number of machinery including earthmovers, trucks, etc, have been moved at the site to undertake the construction activity. However, after the state government opposed the project, the Centre formed the Panchal panel.
The members of Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal will visit Goa later this month. The members will also visit the site of the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura dam near Kankumbi to study environmental impact of the project.