The 13-day search operation for Arjun has been temporarily suspended due to challenging conditions in the Gangavali river. Strong currents have hampered the efforts, and it will take four days to transport a crane-mounted barge from Tamil Nadu, which is essential for removing soil and mud from the search area. The decision to pause the mission was made after evaluating the logistical and environmental difficulties.
A high-level meeting convened by the Karnataka government yesterday evening officially communicated this development to Kerala. Diver Ishwar Malpe, along with his team, Navy, NDRF, and SDRF personnel, concluded their search efforts and returned from the site. The tents set up for the operation have also been dismantled.
In response to the situation, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala contacted Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally, urging him to continue the search with maximum effort. The Karnataka government assured that all available resources were being utilized to locate Arjun.
Meanwhile, Minister Mohammed Riyas returned to Kerala on Saturday night, and AK Saseendran followed suit the next day. MLA MKM Ashraf, who has been on-site in Shirur for ten days, expressed concern over the current mission’s effectiveness and suggested considering an alternative Plan B. He emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of Kerala and Karnataka.
Ishwar Malpe reported that obstacles such as large logs, a banyan tree, and significant mud and stones in the river’s depths are obstructing progress. Without complete removal of these impediments, accessing the area where the lorry is believed to be is exceedingly difficult.
In an effort to advance the search, Karwar MLA Satish Krishna Sail announced that plans are underway to bring a dredger from Thrissur to aid in mud and soil removal. Despite the temporary suspension, authorities remain committed to continuing the search for Arjun.
