Nayana J C

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Aug 5: What was once the dream home of a poor family, built through years of hard work and loans, now stands on the verge of collapse after a major landslide at Anebali in Gurpur, Mangaluru taluk. The incident has left three families living in fear, with residents blaming the alleged irresponsible hill cutting by a private landowner and the inaction of local authorities.

The rear portion of a house belonging to Ajmal collapsed after heavy rains triggered a landslide behind the house. The family has since been shifted to a rented house with the support of a local donor, as the structure is feared to collapse completely at any moment.

Residents alleged that a nearby landowner, Avvad, had cut and excavated a hill on his property using heavy machinery without adopting the necessary safety measures. They claimed the excavation weakened the slope, leading to the landslide and placing several neighbouring houses at risk.

Apart from Ajmal's residence, the houses of Ibrahim and Usman are also under constant threat of collapse due to the unstable soil. The affected families said they had alerted the local gram panchayat about the danger nearly three weeks ago. However, despite repeated complaints, no effective preventive measures were taken.

According to the residents, the PDO who visited the spot had only assured them that a tarpaulin would be provided as a temporary measure. They alleged that no further action followed and that officials later cited a lack of funds and the absence of provisions to provide such assistance.

The families also expressed disappointment that no senior government official has visited the site to assess the damage despite the seriousness of the situation. They further stated that they were only advised to shift to a relief centre instead of being provided immediate assistance to safeguard their homes.

Ajmal said the house, which was constructed just four years ago with a loan of nearly Rs 12 lakh, has now become unsafe and faces the risk of complete collapse, leaving the family in severe financial and emotional distress.

Social activist Latheef Gurupura also expressed concern, stating that a major gram panchayat water tank supplying nearly 500 households is located in the same vulnerable area. He warned that if the land continues to erode, it could also pose a threat to the nearby National Highway.

The affected residents have urged the taluk and district administrations to immediately inspect the area, take action against the alleged unauthorised hill cutting, implement permanent safety measures, and provide compensation and rehabilitation assistance to the affected families before another tragedy occurs.