Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 21: Residents of Nooyi village in Addoor were left shocked after a heavy downpour over the past two days triggered a severe mudslide, submerging several homes and blocking the road that connects nearly 40 houses. The road became completely impassable, buried under heaps of mud washed down by rainwater.

The construction of the Bikarnakatte–Sanoor road is currently underway. However, locals allege that poor planning and unscientific construction practices are responsible for the damage. They claim that over 10 feet of mud was used to build up the road without constructing a retaining wall, despite the fact that nearby homes are located at a lower elevation.

Without any structural support, rainwater carried massive amounts of mud from both sides of the road into residential properties and agricultural lands, resulting in extensive damage due to the mudslide.

Villagers say they had previously warned authorities, submitting multiple written complaints raising concerns about the project. However, they allege that no preventive action was taken. Residents also pointed out that a retaining wall was built in an area where it wasn’t required, further aggravating the situation.

With the monsoon expected to continue until October or November, locals fear that conditions will deteriorate further. Cracks have already formed in the muddy embankments, and continuous rainfall is accelerating soil erosion.

The residents of Adoor Nooyi are now demanding urgent intervention from authorities to prevent further damage and ensure their safety. As concerns over unscientific development mount, villagers stress the need for authorities to reassess ongoing construction practices and respond to long-standing community warnings.