Later in the day, MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda visited the Indian Red Cross Society’s care centre in Madikeri to meet five families displaced due to the highway barrier crack. Listening to their concerns, he reassured them, stating, “We are with you. This is a temporary arrangement for your safety, and necessary action will be taken”. He noted the emotional plea of Ratnamma, one of the affected residents, who tearfully requested permanent housing for the five families. “We don’t need anything more, just a house,” she said. The families currently make a living by raising chickens and pigs. Moved by her words, Dr. Gowda responded compassionately, “Your tears distress us. Please stay strong. We will do our best to secure housing for you. This area is sensitive, and taking precautions is essential”.
The MLA instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner to investigate if houses allotted in 2018-19 remain unoccupied and to take steps to reassign them to these affected families. He also suggested reviewing the possibility of using vacant Infosys houses. From a humanitarian standpoint, Dr. Gowda emphasized that saving lives is the top priority. He requested that the families continue to stay at the care centre until the situation stabilizes. “If an alternative site or house is provided, the current location should be vacated,” he added. On the occasion, he distributed relief kits comprising cooking utensils, bed sheets, tarpaulin sheets, and umbrellas provided by the Red Cross. He also served food to the families, later joining them for the meal alongside the Additional Deputy Commissioner.
