Bhatkal: Amid growing fears of a possible landslide in the Muttalli Gram Panchayat limits of Bhatkal taluk, officials have issued notices to eight families residing near the edge of a hill, directing them to relocate to safer places as a precautionary measure.
Muttalli Panchayat Development Officer Rajeshwari Chandavar issued the notice on Thursday, citing the risk in the area. It may be recalled that a tragic incident had occurred in 2022 when four people lost their lives in a house collapse near the same hilly region. Earlier, the taluk administration had already issued notices to 16 houses located in and around the landslide-prone zone.
On June 16, expert geologists from Bengaluru and Karwar visited the site for inspection. According to their Geological Survey of India (GSI) report, there is a significant possibility of landslides in the area, deeming it unfit for habitation. The Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy rainfall in the coming days, further increasing the risk.
The issue was discussed during a pre-monsoon disaster preparedness meeting held by the Muttalli Panchayat. In view of public safety and as a precautionary step, officials including Rajeshwari Chandavar, nodal officer Shravan Kumar, Panchayat president Rajani Naik and her team have urged residents to vacate and shift to safer locations until the end of the monsoon.
Residents express anger over lack of alternatives
However, the notice has triggered anger among local residents. “Every year during the rainy season, officials come and issue notices asking us to leave. But where are we supposed to go? What should we do with our homes that we’ve built spending lakhs of rupees?” they questioned.
They criticized the administration for failing to provide any alternative arrangements or solutions. “You cannot simply ask us to vacate without any concrete plan or support. A proper discussion and arrangement should have been made before the onset of the monsoon,” they argued in front of the visiting officials.
Former Panchayat president Sheshagiri Naik, member Lakshmi Naik, Village Administrative Officer Shabana Banu, and Panchayat assistant Manju Naik were also present during the visit.