Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jan 22: Work on construction of minor bridge is in progress at Alake in the city since the last some weeks. It is learnt that on account of loosening of mud and mudslide in the areas surrounding the site, four buildings standing adjacent to the site have been facing the danger of crashing to the ground.
Owners of these buildings as well as residents have submitted an appeal to the city mayor Kavitha Sanil, MLA J R Lobo, chief whip of legislative council Ivan D'Souza, and local corporator Rajendra Kumar seeking immediate steps to protect their interests. They said that they are happy at the reconstruction of this 80-year-old bridge and that the local people have been extending necessary cooperation for the project. "The roads located to the north and south of the bridge are only 12 metres wide. But the width of the proposed bridge is 18 metres. Because of this lapse, mudslides have been posing danger to buildings," they said.
The petitioners also have accused those executing the work of not taking enough precautionary measures to ensure safety and security of adjacent buildings. "During the execution of work through excavation, deep pits have been created near the buildings standing next to the site due to mudslide. These buildings face peril as there is likelihood of further mudslides next to them," they said in their petition.
The residents feel that the area of land being dug by the contractors with the help of backhoes is much more than what is actually needed for the project. They also feel that demolishing of the earlier concrete foundation at the spot is unnecessary. Because of vibration caused during executing these works, these buildings have been experiencing vibrations and developing cracks, they have alleged.
Those residing near the project site have urged the concerned to limit the width of the bridge to 12 metres. As rainy season poses grave danger to the area in case the project is not finished by then, they have urged to complete all works by April this year.