Erratic Digging Endangers Two Houses, Families in Dire Straits

Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)

Mangalore, Jun 12: A visit to the houses of Chandrashekar and Devadas, at Thandolige Mane, Jeppina Mogeru village, Mangalore taluk shows the blatant disregard for the poor in our ‘civilised’ society.

Their houses are located in a hilly area. One Praveen Chandra Rai purchased land adjacent to their houses. He later dug 100 feet deep in the soil leaving the two houses in a precarious situation. Last year the drainage pit of Chandrashekar’s house collapsed after a landslide and now cracks have developed in the walls of the small house. Since the rains began the family is living in constant fear of their house collapsing.

Next door, Devadas’ single roomed dwelling is also facing the same threat. These two families had requested Praveen Chandra Rai not to dig the land too deep. But their pleas were ignored. The families also requested him to at least construct a concrete wall. But this request was also ignored.

Both families are very poor and are struggling to cope with the crisis. Chandrashekar who is a coolie, has health problems as well. His wife Sunitha works as a sweeper at lodges in the city. Their elder son could not continue his education due to financial difficulties. Their daughter studies in the 10th std. Devadas makes pappads for a living.

After their requests were ignored, the two families had filed a case against Praveen Chandra Rai with the Kankanady rural police station.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Kankanady rural police sub inspector Prakash said that charge sheet has been prepared to be submitted in the court of law. The two families are waiting hopefully for the situation to change.

The two families have also requested assistance from individuals and philanthropists. The details are as follows:

Sunitha, wife of Chandrashekar
State Bank of India,
Bajal Branch Mangalore
Savings Bank A/C no. 31700275606.
Contact number: 9740938152

Geetha, wife of Devdas
Naguri Agricultural Co-operative Society Bank Ltd
Jeppina Mogeru Branch, Mangalore
A/C No. 1075.
Contact number: 8904684148