A Landslide, A Community, and a Lesson in Living with Nature

There was a landslide between Vamanjur and the bridge – a block on a road that is now being developed as a National Highway. At that time, however, it was a State Highway, before being handed over to the National Highways Authority (NHAI).

The landslide occurred in July after heavy rains, and the evidence can still be seen today: a major slice of the hill had collapsed. On top of that hill stands a primary school, now painted like a railway bogey.

As a result, all of us from Mangalore, as well as those from Moodbidri, were prevented from reaching Gurpur. Likewise, all the residents beyond that point were affected.

Buses had to be diverted via Bajpe. More than a hundred express and other buses began using the diversion route, increasing travel distances by approximately 6 to 9, and in some cases even 12 to 14 kilometres per trip.

At that time, there were clay lorries transporting clay, but the majority were river sand lorries. Consequently, the transportation of stones, sand, and other materials was disrupted, and all traffic moving from Moodbidri towards Mangalore city was blocked.

A Minister’s Swift Response

Shri B. A. Moideen, the Honorable Minister in charge of the area, immediately visited the site, surveyed the situation, and ordered experts from Bangalore to examine it. In those days, resources such as excavators and large trucks were not readily available.

For the next 48 hours, newspapers carried headlines, surveys were conducted, and discussions took place regarding how best to deal with the situation. The lorry owners made it clear that they could not simply increase their charges because of the diversion through Bajpe. Bus operators also emphasized the need to restore the road as quickly as possible.

Volunteers

Each lorry owner contributed a vehicle, and labourers immediately began excavating the mud and dumping it at suitable locations. Within 24 hours, a pathway sufficient for movement had been created.

An important aspect of the story is that measures were simultaneously taken to ensure that no further landslides would occur. Because of this incident, important decisions were made both in Bangalore and at the district headquarters.

It was truly a remarkable sight, and residents of Gurpur who witnessed it will recall that the entire effort was voluntary – it was said that not even a single rupee of government money was spent.

The work was carried out by about 3,000 volunteers and paid workers who joined together to clear the road. This nearby landslide story therefore remains highly relevant even today.

Why This Story Still Matters

Its relevance lies in the lesson that we should not disturb the ecology of the Gurpur Valley, or any other valley in Dakshina Kannada, unnecessarily. The principle involved is terracing.

Many of us have travelled on the Konkan Railway and observed that monsoon schedules differ from regular schedules. The travel time of the Matsyagandha Express increases by nearly three hours during the rainy season. However, the Konkan Railway has addressed landslide risks differently by introducing terracing along vulnerable embankments.

Similarly, throughout the foothills extending up to Karwar, one can observe extensive terracing undertaken along the National Highway.

When limestone, laterite (“shady,” as we call it locally), or loose soil is cut vertically for heights ranging from 30 to 80 metres, landslides become almost inevitable. Therefore, as human beings, we must apply ingenuity and practical solutions at the lowest possible cost.

Micro-Engineering for a Beautiful Valley

We should adopt micro-engineering solutions in Gurpur and nearby areas so that our beautiful valley can remain naturally preserved, even when practical issues such as two- or three-metre variations in water stagnation levels arise.

What we need is practical engineering. Practicality does not mean relying exclusively on local resources. With a minimal quantity of cement or reinforced concrete, scientifically applied, structures can remain stable and effective for fifty years or more.

For example, the steps constructed in 1958 during the Punar Pratishtha remain intact even today. This is not merely because of sound engineering; it is also because they were built with affection, dedication, attention, and care. Every stone was carefully crafted with longevity in mind.

Laterite, a natural building material abundant in this region, hardens over time. Excavating and demolishing laterite structures is generally not a good idea, but people often do not listen. They seek modernity through demolition and reconstruction.

Anything can be demolished; rebuilding well is the real challenge.

A Request

Therefore, I thank everyone for their attention and request each person to contribute, however modestly. The contribution need not be financial; it can simply be attention, care, and concern.

Once a place becomes beautiful, people naturally appreciate it. However, that is not the main objective. The primary goal is to make it convenient and livable for all of us.

Villages are the Future

Some people may even choose to live in villages because they offer a quality of peace and tranquility that is difficult to find elsewhere.

This is not only about the temple, the mosque, or the church. Villages are good places to live because they provide peace, lower levels of pollution, and higher levels of oxygen – even if the difference is only one or two percent.

Village life represents the future of India, especially when villages can also offer broadband connectivity, good-quality food, and opportunities for people to sit together and engage in meaningful conversations.

Gurpur is going to be great!