Wind & High Tides Destroy Houses in Ullal, Someshwara & Surrounding Areas
Mangaluru : Year after year it has been the same story, of houses of innocent people being washed away during incessant rains, and this year is no exception, where a bunch of houses in Ullal, Someshwara, Uchila, Mogaveerapatna, Kalco, , Mukkachery and surrounding areas being hit hard by the tides, and heavy loses incurred. And with monsoons just started with heavy rains seen since couple of days, the residents around these areas are worried how they will face the rest of the monsoon, which lasts for few months. And no ministers nor district officials have come to a solution to rectify this ongoing havoc since years. The candidates during election make assurances, but once the elections are over they are not to be seen, is a comment made by a lady who lost 90% of the house near Someshwara.
The sea walls that were constructed recently have already breached, and due to that many houses near to the sea are in danger. Also since the granite stones which were used to build these walls have been washed away due to the tides, the houses and masjids located close to the sea are in danger. It is learnt that many residents fearing danger to lives have relocated from the areas, and taken shelter at their relatives homes. It is learnt at least 15 houses at the moment have been damaged due to tidal waves. And many are worried about the cyclone “Vayu” which is suppose to hit some of the areas near the shores soon.
The President of Someshwara Gram Panchayat Rajesh Uchila speaking to Team Mangalorean said, “Rough waves have ruined the walls totally, thus putting the lives of the people in that area in jeopardy. The entire sea shore that stretches from Battapaddi to Peribail is prone to sea erosion, and no one from the administration gives a damn about it. Many houses on the stretch face the threat as waves hit the walls, and due to that we have asked some of the residents to relocate to a safer place or find a shelter at their relatives homes. In the meantime we have prepared a report about the situation, and we will submit to the district zilla panchayath soon. Also that the work of inshore berms construction has not been completed and this has resulted in rough waves hitting the nearby homes. All these homes could be protected if the ea erosion prevention work is completed, but all in vain since months and years, thereby putting the lives of people in danger “.
Also speaking to Team Mangalorean, Loy Albuquerque, the managing director of Summer Sands Resort in Ullal said, “This is a ongoing issue since decades, and no one from the govt nor district administration are worried about the drastic situation people face every during monsoons. While the govt and district administration is trying hard to promote tourism in these areas, but they have never thought of prevention measures pertaining to the tourists. Many foreign tourists who had visited the area yesterday and today have expressed their dissatisfaction about the safety around the beaches. Luckily not much damage has been done to my resort, but the outdoor activities stage has been 95% damaged. And with monsoons still on the go, we will have to cross our fingers as to what we may have to face during the forthcoming monsoon”.
In the meantime it is learnt that a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already arrived in Mangaluru and they will be deployed to the affected areas to handle the situation. Also the district administration has chalked out plans for national disaster management. District minister in charge U T Khader speaking to media has said that all precautions have been taken, and that the NDRF team will be deployed to the affected areas immediately in case of emergency.
