35 families in Ullal shifted to safety, intense sea erosion havoc

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 17, 2018: With the sea erosion intensifying in Kaiko, Hileriyanagar in Ullal on July 16, Monday, more than six houses have been partially damaged. As many as 35 families have shifted to safer areas.

The houses of Aliyabba, Zainabi, Sakeena, Jameela Banu and Rukiya have been partially damaged at Hileriyanagara.  Huge waves have started hitting the houses since Sunday night. The authorities have set up gruel centres at Ombathukere Government School and Ullal Dargah premises. But the inmates of the houses said that women cannot stay at the gruel centres and have shifted to their relatives’ houses.

The residents of Mukkachery, Hileriyanagar and Kaiko laid siege to Ullal CMC and demanded a permanent solution to sea erosion.  They also took the officials to task. Tahsildar Guruprasad visited the spot and promised them that land will be identified in Ullal and nearby villages for their rehabilitation within three months.

The fury of the sea has increased at Ucchila, Peribailu, Battampady and Someshwara. The waves are hitting a private resort in the region. The dumping of boulders in the area where houses are situated is in progress.

Meanwhile, Minister for Urban Development and Housing U T Khader has directed the officials to identify sites for 41 houses which were completely damaged in sea erosion in Ullal and Someshwara.  Chairing a meeting, he said the land should be identified within 15 days.

In spite of the construction of sea walls in Ullal, Someshwara and Sasihithlu, the sea erosion has intensified. Already, the seawall on 1 km stretch has been constructed at Someshwara. The seawall will be built on another 300-metre stretch, he added.