August 6, 2025

In a significant move to ensure public safety during the monsoon season, the Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu district, Venkata Raja, has issued a prohibition on the movement of heavy vehicles throughout the region until August 25. This decision comes in the wake of warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), which declared an orange alert for Kodagu on August 6, indicating a revival of monsoon conditions. The heavy rainfall poses an increased risk of landslides, particularly in areas where road conditions are poor due to prevailing moisture levels in the soil. The restrictions, effective from August 6, specifically target vehicles transporting wooden logs, sand, goods vehicles registered to weigh more than 18,500 kg, and various types of heavy vehicles including bullet tankers, cargo containers, multi-axle vehicles, and articulated vehicles. The order was issued under several legal frameworks including the Karnataka Police Act (1963), the Disaster Management Act (2005), and the Motor Vehicles Act (1988). Notably, exemptions apply to certain vehicles transporting essential goods such as fertilizers, cooking gas, fuel, and those used for government tasks, as well as public transport, school buses, and college transportation. In accordance with the issued directive, the local police superintendent is tasked with placing necessary signboards and notice boards along designated routes to clearly communicate these restrictions to drivers. Check posts are to be established at key locations like Kushalnagar and Sampaje on the National Highway 275, marking the boundaries of the district, with round-the-clock personnel monitoring with mobile patrol units to ensure adherence to the ban. The primary reason for this stringent measure stems from the historical challenges Kodagu faces during the monsoon season. Roads in the region, known for their challenging characteristics including sharp curves and steep gradients, deteriorate rapidly with increased rainfall, heightening the risk of mishaps caused by heavy vehicle traffic. Over the past five years, many roadways have suffered considerable damage due to flooding and heavy rains, necessitating ongoing repairs. In light of these risks, local authorities have deemed the restriction on heavy vehicles as imperative to safeguard road infrastructure, public property, and passenger safety. It's important to note that vehicles identified as light vehicles, buses, and goods carriers weighing up to 12 tonnes are exempt from this prohibition. By implementing such precautions, officials aim to not only protect the roadways but also to mitigate the dangers associated with landslides, ultimately ensuring the welfare of all citizens traversing the district during this tumultuous season. The effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored, and further actions may be considered depending on weather conditions in the coming weeks.

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Tags: Kodagu, Heavy vehicles, Monsoon, Landslide, Traffic regulations,