88 Landslide-Prone Areas Identified in Dakshina Kannada; Officials Told to Strengthen Monsoon Preparedness in Udupi

88 Landslide-Prone Areas Identified in Dakshina Kannada; Officials Told to Strengthen Monsoon Preparedness in Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru/Udupi, July 5, 2026: Dakshina Kannada district administration has identified 88 landslide-prone locations and advised residents in vulnerable areas to shift to safer places, even as Health and Family Welfare Minister and district in-charge U.T. Khader directed officials in Udupi district to strengthen coordination and ensure swift relief measures during the monsoon.

Reviewing disaster management and relief measures in Mangaluru on Sunday, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan said residents of 88 vulnerable locations had been asked to move to safer places over the past month based on technical assessments.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, Belthangady taluk has the highest number of landslide-prone locations with 35, followed by Ullal (13), Sullia (9), Bantwal (8), Mangaluru (7), Kadaba (7), Moodbidri (6) and Puttur (3). He also said that 57 houses in Mangaluru city had developed structural cracks and their occupants had been advised to relocate temporarily, though not all residents had complied.

Meanwhile, chairing a review meeting on rain-related damage and drinking water issues at Rajathadri in Udupi on Saturday, Mr. Khader directed all government departments to work in close coordination to tackle monsoon-related emergencies and ensure prompt assistance to affected people.

The Minister instructed village accountants and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) to visit affected families immediately, provide emotional support and ensure relief reaches them without delay. He stressed that people should not feel abandoned by the administration during natural disasters.

Mr. Khader also directed officials to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive government welfare schemes and asked grassroots officials to promptly report local issues to senior authorities and elected representatives for timely resolution.

Expressing concern over student safety, he instructed the Education Department not to conduct classes in buildings with leaking roofs or unsafe structures until necessary repairs are completed. He also reviewed the distribution of textbooks and uniforms and directed officials to clear pending supplies at the earliest.

Highlighting the increased risk of communicable diseases during the monsoon, the Minister asked the Health Department to enhance preparedness and intensify public awareness campaigns. Local bodies were instructed to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, undertake fogging in areas reporting dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases, and strengthen stray dog control and animal birth control programmes. He warned that licences of commercial establishments found to be breeding mosquitoes should be cancelled.

Mr. Khader further directed officials to ensure adequate availability of seeds and fertilisers and encourage farmers to enrol under crop insurance schemes. Departments including the Forest Department, Mescom, Rural Development, Urban Local Bodies, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and Home Guards were instructed to remain on high alert and maintain coordination for rescue and relief operations throughout the monsoon.

He also directed the Public Works Department to immediately repair rain-damaged roads and clear roadside drains, warning that delays could lead to accidents. Reviewing law and order, the Minister asked the police to intensify action against thefts, burglaries, drug-related offences and other crimes.

Senior district officials, MLAs and other public representatives attended the review meeting.