Pics: Nayana JC

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 11: Development is meant to improve lives, but for two families residing in Addoor Nooyi near here, a highway expansion project has become a source of perpetual fear, financial loss, and uncertainty.

With the onset of the monsoon, the residents allege that unscientific road construction carried out as part of the national highway expansion has left them battling floods of muddy water, damaged property, and sleepless nights. According to the locals, the absence of a proper retaining wall along the highway has allowed rainwater and slush from the elevated road to gush directly into their homes and compounds. What was once a peaceful residential area has now turned into a danger zone.

Threat of landslides and contamination

The situation has worsened due to soil reportedly dumped on a nearby private property. During heavy rainfall, the loose earth slides downhill and accumulates near the affected houses, significantly increasing the risk of landslides. Residents claim that despite repeated complaints and previous site visits by officials, the problem remains entirely unresolved.

Adding to their misery, the muddy runoff has contaminated a drinking water well used by the families, making it unfit for consumption. Furthermore, a nearby electric pole has become unstable due to severe soil erosion, raising serious safety concerns among the citizens.

Low compensation, high losses

Speaking to the media, local resident Munira said that last year's rains caused a portion of her house wall to collapse and ruined her household belongings, resulting in losses of nearly Rs 2 lac. She alleged that despite the extensive damage, the compensation provided by the authorities was a meager Rs 5,000.

Another resident, Ashraf, expressed deep frustration over official apathy. He stated that the family had submitted written complaints to various departments but received nothing more than empty assurances. According to him, every rainfall brings anxiety as muddy water continues to invade their property while authorities remain silent spectators.

The residents further alleged that during the previous monsoon, they were advised to shift to a government relief centre. However, they questioned why they should be forced to leave their homes due to the consequences of poorly planned public construction. Ultimately, they had to spend their own money to arrange temporary accommodation elsewhere.

Call for immediate intervention

Today, the contaminated well, the threat of soil collapse, and the unstable electric pole have left the affected families feeling completely abandoned. Their appeal to the government is simple: immediate intervention and a permanent solution before the situation leads to a major tragedy.

As monsoon rains intensify across the coastal region, the plight of these families serves as a stark reminder that infrastructure development cannot come at the cost of citizens' safety and dignity. The residents are now urging the district administration and highway authorities to act swiftly to rectify the negligence.