Two shops damaged in landslide at Durbhat

MARCEL, SEPT 9
Two shops at Agapur in Durbhat-Agapur were damaged due to a landslide following incessant rains since the last few days.
According to residents, huge boulders along with mud came crashing down from a hillock and damaged two shops.
The loss, according to shop owners who reside in the village, is estimated at over Rs 1 lakh.
The panchayat later inspected the area and is reported to have assured villagers to construct a retaining wall to prevent further damage to other shops in the area.
Villagers feat that the hillock poses a danger to residents and that boulders could roll down at any moment, thereby endangering life and property.
Three shops, one general store, one salon and a bar are located along the landslide prone site, while there are houses on the other side of the road.
While authorities have assured to construct a retaining wall, residents are wary of such promises and claim that such assurances are rarely honoured.
“The landslide has damaged our shops. This shop is our only livelihood. We hope authorities will act this time. Some two years ago, a landslide took place on the same hillock. Though it was minor, but nothing was done to remedy the situation,” said Meena Naik, shop owner.