Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 21: Congress team led by former minister U T Khader and Ramanath Rai visited Pachanadi dumping yard here on Wednesday, August 21, where vast area of agricultural land was damaged due to garbage landslide that occurred on August 6.
Since the time the garbage landslide occurred for the first time, the garbage is flowing continuously like a stream of river damaging acres of agricultural land and houses. As many as 5,000 areca trees and 2,000 coconut trees are submerged under the heaps of garbage. In addition, 20 houses are completely destroyed.
Local MLAs and deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil have already visited the spot and conducted review of the havoc caused by the garbage landslide. The people of Mandara village, who are severely affected by the occurrence, have been shifted to other place.
Speaking to media, former minister U T Khader said, “The incident occurred on August 6. Though 15 days have gone by, no action plan has been made so far to find out a solution for the problem. It is not the time to blame each other, as they (BJP) point out the previous MCC administration for this havoc. It may be noticed that it is not only Congress, but even BJP was in power in Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). It is not the time to blame, but we must find a permanent solution for it.
“Garbage landslide has made many people shed tears. They were dependent on their agriculture, but today have lost everything. So far there is no proper plan to repair the damage. If the administration has made any action plan, let them reveal the same, so that people will have some relief.”
Former minister Ramanath Rai said, "This is one of the biggest tragedies that has occurred in Mangaluru. Garbage landslide has caused destruction of several acres of land and also damaged several houses. Government should take initiative in providing Rs 100 crore package to the people of Mandara village for their rehabilitation. The government should swiftly act on this issue and find a permanent solution for it.”
Former Mayor Kavitha Sanil, former MLA Mohiuddin Bava, Asha D’Silva, MLC Harish Kumar and others were present.