Mandara garbage landslide: District Congress team pays visit

Mangaluru: In the backdrop widespread damage caused to agricultural land due to the garbage landslide which occurred at Mandara near Pacchanadi dump yard on August 9, Congress team led by former minister U T Khader and Ramanath Rai visited the dumping yard here on Wednesday, August 21.

From the moment the garbage landslide occurred, garbage is flowing continuously like a stream of river damaging acres of agricultural land and houses.Over  5,000 areca trees and 2,000 coconut trees have been annexed by the garbage and 20 houses have been destroyed additionally.

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil and the local MLA have already visited the spot and conducted review of the havoc and the people of Mandara village who have been affected by this man-made disaster, have been shifted to other place.

Former minister U T Khader spoke with the media and 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,” demanded Mr Khader.

Speaking on the occasion, 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.”