MADIKERI, 9 JUNE

The condition of most of the houses which were built by the government after the massive flood and landslide in Kodagu district in 2018 has deteriorated due to the lack of essential infrastructure and lack of maintenance. After the flood in 2018, the government constructed houses costing Rs 9.98 lakh each for these families. However, of the 140 houses built in Madikeri taluk's Galibeedu village panchayat, at least 50 remain uninhabited.

The sub-divisional officer acknowledged the ongoing work by the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Board, which has delayed the official handover of the barangay and thus the provision of necessary facilities.

The houses, located 10 km from Madikeri, were completed in multiple phases. 75 houses were finished and distributed to affected beneficiaries in 2021, but only 25 families moved in. An additional 55 houses were completed after 2021, yet 40 of these still await allocation. More than 90 houses have deteriorated due to a lack of essential infrastructure, including roads, drinking water, and electricity. Overgrowth and forest encroachments have turned the area into a near-wilderness, creating a hazardous living environment for the few residents.

The local citizens said that the roads are so damaged that even two-wheelers struggle to pass, making the 3 km journey to the Galibeedu government school challenging, especially during the rainy season. The drainage system is inadequate, and there is only one water tank for 25 families, which does not supply enough water.

They said that despite repeated appeals to the District Collector, MLAs, and ministers, their pleas have gone unanswered. -Salar News