Madikeri, June 12 (AG&BCT)- The long-delayed reconstruction of the protective retaining wall in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex in Madikeri has finally been completed.

Situated on a steep slope along the Madikeri-Mangaluru Road, the DC Office Complex had come under threat following a series of landslides triggered by heavy rainfall between 2018 and 2020.

The damage raised fears over the safety of the structure and prompted the Government to take up the retaining wall project.

Initially awarded for Rs. 7 crore, the project eventually cost Rs. 7.53 crore following time extensions and revised valuations, bringing the total to Rs. 53 lakh.

Work began in 2021 with a stipulated completion period of 24 months. However, heavy rains in 2022 caused deep cracks and bulging in sections of the newly constructed retaining wall, raising questions about its structural integrity.

Following an inspection by an expert committee in August 2022, authorities ordered a complete redesign and reconstruction of the structure.

As a result, the contractor had to dismantle the damaged retaining wall, strengthen the foundation and rebuild the structure from scratch. The reconstruction and associated engineering works continued until 2025.

To improve durability and prevent future damage, areas above the retaining wall that are vulnerable to water seepage have been sealed with cement plastering and other protective measures.

D.M. Girish, Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Madikeri, said the project has now been fully completed.

“The physical work has been completed. The completion certificate is in process and only the final bill remains to be cleared. As per norms, the contractor will be responsible for maintaining the structure for one year from the date of issue of the completion certificate,” he said.

The project was executed by Ayyappa Constructions. Shivakumar, an engineer representing the firm, said all rectification works had been carried out and the structure had been monitored closely over the past year.

“We completed the major rectification works in 2025 and have observed the structure’s performance since then. While our contractual obligations have largely been fulfilled and the billing process is underway, we are carrying out additional precautionary works at our own cost,” he said.

As part of these measures, workers are plastering vulnerable slope sections below the road adjoining the DC Office. According to the contractor, strengthening these areas is essential as soil erosion or water seepage in the lower slope could affect the retaining wall in the long run.