Karwar: Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya has directed officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ports Department to immediately begin the removal of silt accumulated in the Gangavali River due to a recent landslide near Shirur in Ankola taluk on the national highway.

Chairing a special meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday at the DC’s office, Lakshmi Priya noted that during a recent meeting held in Bengaluru, NHAI officials had agreed to undertake the silt removal work. She instructed them to secure all necessary administrative and technical approvals within a week and begin the removal process without delay. The operation must be completed within the stipulated time frame, she added.

The Deputy Commissioner also clarified that there are currently no obstacles in the river that would hinder the movement of barges required for the silt removal work. She instructed officials from the Department of Mines and Geology to ensure the excavated silt is disposed of in accordance with existing regulations. The Ports Department has also been directed to provide all necessary support for the smooth execution of the operation.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla, Additional Superintendent of Police Jagadish, Zilla Panchayat Chief Accounts Officer Anand, Director of Ports Department K.Swamy, and officials from the NHAI, Fisheries, Mines, and Geology departments.