Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Aug 23: It has been four years since the devastating Pacchanady waste yard landslide took place in Mandara, resulting in the overflow of garbage onto the private lands of numerous residents.

Triggered by heavy rainfall, the waste at the Pachanady dumping yard began to cascade on August 2, 2019. By August 6, it had engulfed over 70% of the Mandara area, leading to the displacement of 27 families from their homes. While the Municipal Corporation (MCC) officials collected pertinent documents from the affected families, the compensation offered only covered the losses incurred in terms of crops. Subsequently, the district legal service authority approached the high court and secured Rs 14 crore for the 27 families a few years ago. However, since then, no further compensation has been provided.

For those affected by the disaster, agriculture had been the primary source of income. Prior to the incident, they used to generate an average income of Rs 4 lac through cultivation. Regrettably, the entire land is now buried under waste and unsuitable for any kind of crop cultivation. Consequently, the victims are fervently appealing for additional compensation.

The calamity, spanning an area of two kilometers, led to the loss of over 5000 arecanut and coconut trees, as well as residences, the Daivastana, and the Nagabana.

Dr Bharat Shetty, the MLA representing the locality, stated, “The victims of the Pacchanady dumping yard disaster are yet to receive the full compensation they deserve. The final stages of the compensation process are underway. A formal request has been made to the state government to expedite the release of funds. We are diligently pursuing this matter and anticipate a prompt response from the state government.”