Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 5: The vented dam near Moodubettu Mata, located within the Soorinje gram panchayat limits and serving as a vital resource for agriculturists in three to four surrounding gram panchayats, has collapsed, leading to apprehension among the farming community. The collapse has also impacted the connecting footpath between Kateel and Shibaroor.

Constructed 15 years ago, the vented dam was a crucial water source for farmers in Soorinje, Ekkaru, and Kateel villages. Additionally, many students relied on the dam's footpath to commute to schools and colleges in Kateel and Soorinje. However, following the collapse, people now face a detour of at least 10 km.

With the monsoon season approaching in just a month, immediate repairs to the vented dam are not feasible. The construction of a new dam will require time to complete the necessary procedures, leaving agriculturists concerned about the water supply to their crops for the next two years.

Concerns have been raised regarding the structural integrity of the dam, as the base has noticeably shifted to one side. Locals allege that illegal sand excavation from the dam's base contributed to its collapse. Despite complaints from the public, no action was taken by the authorities. Agriculturists believe that if not for the constant sand excavation, the dam could have remained functional for at least 50 years. They are urging PWD engineers to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.