Monsoon arrives: Fear of natural disasters looms large

The Sakleshpur-Somwarpet Road that was washed away during the last monsoon near Hijjanahalli in Sakleshpur taluk.

The current condition of a part of Bisile Reserve forest.

The new road laid near Hijjanahalli in Sakleshpur taluk.

The current condition of a part of Bisile Reserve forest.

The new road laid near Hijjanahalli, in Sakleshpur taluk.

The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) announcement that monsoon will hit the Karnataka coast in a few days, has brought cheer to the farmers of the state.

But the news has made people of Hethuru and Yasaluru of Sakleshpur taluk and Shanthalli hobli of Kodagu district on the Western Ghats, anxious. It may be recalled that there were many landslides in the taluk due to heavy rain last year. Tremors were reported at a few places. Thousands of trees, vast tracts of coffee and cardamom plantation were buried under debris. Hundreds of people lost their homes.

The Bisile Ghat Road (connecting Kukke Subramanya) washed away. People of Mayanuru Patla and Bisile villages were distraught. The Somwarpet-Sakleshpur road was washed away near Hijjanahalli. People lost contact with the outside world for several days. An alternate road has been laid now but the work is incomplete. Traffic is bound to be affected if there is a heavy downpour villagers stated.

People are yet to get over the fear of natural disasters, having experienced them last year. Even though the monsoon is just a few days away, the district administration has not taken precautionary measures to tackle dire situations.

Officials are yet to visit villages and take steps to instil confidence among residents, said Darshan of Hijjanahalli.

The region would receive rains for over four months each year. Ponds, lakes and streams would come alive. But, the cloudburst last year washed away everything. As there was no rain later, water sources dried up, making it impossible to grow summer crops, explained Malmane Shriman.

Ready to tackle

Tahsildar Niranjan told DH that the taluk administration was ready to tackle any dire situation. “A nodal officer is appointed, along with a team of ‘B’ grade officers. Committees comprising local officials too, have been constituted. They will work day and night. A 24x7 helpline has been set up,” he said.

Meanwhile, a team of geologists visited the region and gave a report ruling out disasters this year.

“However, materials required for rescue operations have been brought from Mumbai. Raincoats, torches and other materials required for the staff are kept ready. Fire and Emergency Services personnel are on high alert. Places are identified in hoblis for gruel centres (ganji kendras). Minor repair works have been taken up,” the tahsildar said.