Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 5: In the heart of the bustling Shivbagh locality, 48-year-old Yashoda lives alone in a dangerously dilapidated house. With deep cracks running along the walls and sections of the structure already collapsed, the building offers little safety or shelter. Deprived of steady income or family support, she survives on a single meal a day — a quiet struggle hidden amid the city’s rapid growth.
Yashoda resides in her ancestral house at Shivbagh 5th cross. Her mother passed away in 2012, and since then, Yashoda — who is unmarried — has lived alone. One of her sisters, residing near Garodi, is said to have shown little concern for her condition.
In earlier years, Yashoda and her mother sustained themselves by tailoring and beedi rolling. However, after her mother’s demise, Yashoda's health began to deteriorate, leaving her unable to work.
For a brief period, she received a government allowance of Rs 2,000, which she used to redeem jewellery pledged at a bank after her mother’s death. However, the assistance was discontinued several months ago, leaving her without any source of income.
She now relies entirely on a noon meal provided by Kadri Temple. With no groceries at home and no money to purchase essentials, her only nourishment is that single meal. In the evenings and at night, she survives on water. The gas stove is used solely to boil water.
House on the verge of collapse
Her home, made of mud, is in a perilous condition and partially collapsed due to continuous rain. The floor is uneven, the walls are riddled with cracks, doors are broken, and cobwebs stretch across every corner. Snake sightings are frequent. To protect herself, she uses gunny bags, slippers, and plastic to block gaps and potential entry points.
She accesses the house through the back door, as the front entrance has become unsafe. A collapsed well near the front adds to the danger, and the area around it is overgrown with dense vegetation, further limiting movement.
Yashoda’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the lives that go unnoticed in urban landscapes. Her story underscores the urgent need for community care and government intervention — whether through financial aid, housing support, or empathetic outreach.
Her survival should not remain a silent struggle. She deserves dignity, safety, and hope — not isolation in a city that continues to grow around her.