Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Apr 30: The DK Zilla Ex-Servicemen's Association has appealed to the public, well-wishers and supporters of veterans’ welfare to extend financial assistance for the reconstruction of a retaining wall at its headquarters, Sainik Bhavan, which collapsed during heavy rains last year.
Addressing a press meet at the Mangaluru Press Club on Thursday April 30, office-bearers of the association said the building is situated on a cliff at Light House Hill, overlooking the sports ground of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
They said the rear portion of the cliff had earlier been reinforced with a retaining wall in 2023 at a cost of Rs 25 lac, raised through contributions from members of the association. However, on the night of May 28, 2025, due to exceptionally heavy rains, the entire retaining wall along with a portion of the cliff face collapsed onto the sports ground below.
Following the incident, municipal authorities reportedly issued a notice restricting the use of the building until further orders. A technical inspection by civil engineers later found that a stronger and more durable retaining wall was urgently required to protect the structure.
According to preliminary estimates, the association’s engineers projected the cost of reconstruction at around Rs 46 lac, while civic authorities estimated the expenditure at nearly Rs 86 lac.
Association representatives said they had approached local MLA Vedavyas Kamath seeking assistance to undertake the project through public funds. Though assurances were given and directions reportedly issued to civic officials, the work has not commenced due to procedural delays and lack of funds.
The association warned that if the retaining wall is not rebuilt before the onset of the monsoon, the building itself could face serious structural danger.
Stating that the organisation has limited resources and cannot independently bear the huge cost, office-bearers made an earnest appeal to citizens to contribute generously towards the project.
They assured complete transparency in the utilisation of funds and said regular updates would be shared with contributors.