Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP) 

Udupi, Aug 24: Although Udupi has famously been known since ages as the district of the brainy, it is also home to a large number of migrant labourers who never send their children to school. These children face vagaries of day-to-day life and the climate. These labourers have become worried as they have become displaced on account of heavy rains which pounded Karnataka coast this time. 

Migrant labourers who come to this district have to lead a life of the destitute as without homes they have no other shelter to fall back on. 

A large group of labourers who have come to this district seeking greener pastures have been leading pitiable life under the thin plastic roof that is unable to withstand heavy downpour. In the past, these labourers had set up huts here but they were evicted. Now they have come back and opted to lead a vulnerable life again to be able to feed their families. 

The highway side also happens to be the spot where they attend to calls of the nature. They use rainwater for bath. Innumerable politicians and government officials move on this road on a daily basis. They either do not notice the plight of these families or do not have to will to bring changes in the lives of these labourers. 

The women folk of these families use water which has accumulated in the pothole on the road for washing their clothes. They can be seen taking bath in semi-nude state by the side of the highway everyday next to a stinking pile of garbage. A number of small children live with their parents here. Already people are suffering from various diseases on account of polluted water. The deterioration in the health condition of these people who use filthy water for their daily chores is hard to guess. Service buses known for reckless driving zoom past on the road where they live and do other activities. There is every chance of accident happening here. 

Social worker, Vishu Shetty, has pointed out that a large number of government buildings and halls have remained vacant in the town and street dogs have made these buildings their homes. He has urged the district administration and child welfare department to make provisions for these migrant labourers to stay in these buildings at least during the rainy season as it extends protection to young children. He said that the families need to be provided with alternative place to live instead of taking legal and disciplinary steps against them, on humanitarian grounds.