Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 12: Minor landslides that are occurring in Manipal are alarm bells for the danger that lies in store in the future.

Hundreds of skyscrapers are built on the hill of Vidyanagar of Manipal where more than 30,000 students from 57 countries of the world are residing and studying. Due to the pressure created by these multi-storeyed buildings landslides are occurring.

During this year’s monsoon, a huge chunk of mud slid down from a hill near Shimra Siddivinayaka temple, which is at a stone's throw away from the DC office. This erosion of soil has occurred at the bathing ghat area which is under construction by the small irrigation department.

Landslide has occurred just 5 feet from the building of the temple. The hill collapsed and fell on the banks of Swarna river. As it is monsoon, the work of bathing ghat is stopped. Locals say that the work should begin soon as Siddi Vinayaka temple is in danger.

A hill lies on top of the temple. Private individuals have dug the hill there using JCB machines. This also may cause more landslides in future. Locals say that multi-storeyed buildings that are constructed without analysis of the soil may pose more danger in future.