Pune:The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and district administration monitoring the situation at Malin claimed that some parts of the hill had developed some cracks and the danger of landslide was still pretty imminent.
The agencies monitoring the disaster relief work in Malin including the district administration maintained that a preliminary survey of some nearby villages in Dimbhe dam area pointed towards re-occurrence of landslides during monsoon season.
NDRF Director General ( South Range ) S P Selvan said that heavy rains in the area and incessant seepage of rainwater in the hill has made it susceptible to landslides. "Taking into account the geographic spread and topography of the area, we have come to the conclusion that such incidents (major and minor) might take place at Malin and its surrounding areas again," he said.
" We have stationed our personnel at strategic locations in the area who are monitoring the situation and sending instant updates of the happenings in the hills ," he added.
Pune District Collector Saurabh Rao, who has been camping at the spot said that the administration was preparing a detailed report on the weak ridges in and around Malin. "There are some villages which are prone to landslides and the administration is taking corrective measures aimed at preventing the occurrence of such incidents," he added.
Pune Rural SP Manoj Lohia said that the police had warned the general public to avoid visiting the area as the hills have developed deep fissures and water frequently flowing into the crevices. " An alert has also been sounded in the some of the villages where landslides are expected due to heavy rains ," he added.
Fear psychosis grips nearby villagers
Though ministers and government officials talk about geological surveys and rehabilitation of villages which are unsafe to live, the villagers fear that their village could be the next Malin. They do not wish to leave their place, but say they need a safer abode. "We had our friends in this village and the incident has scared. It is after this incident that the government officials recognized this area, we do not expect anything of much benefit to happen for us in the future" said Devram Dhawle, a farmer residing in Asane village near Malin. His village is remotely located in the mountains with a rough population of 500.
"All we expect from the government is to try and keep us safe and not let us die in such a manner. We are simple people not needing much from life nor do we want the hustle and bustle of life. All we need is a place where we can do our farming and live safely" said Ashok Parde, grieving for his friends he lost in the landslide. He lives in Sakeri village, one of the neighbors to Sakeri.
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