The DK Zilla Ex-Servicemen's Association has made an urgent appeal to donors and well-wishers for financial assistance to reconstruct a retaining wall that collapsed during heavy rain last year. The collapse has left their building at Light House Hill in Mangaluru structurally vulnerable.
Urgent Need for Reconstruction
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Gp Capt Sudhir G Amin stated that the association urgently requires nearly Rs 50 lakh to rebuild the wall before the onset of the monsoon season. He warned that any further delay could put the entire building at risk of collapse.
Background of the Building
The association, a registered body of ex-servicemen, operates from a building situated on a cliff at Light House Hill. The rear side of the structure overlooks the sports ground of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). In 2023, the cliff face was reinforced with a retaining wall built at a cost of Rs 25 lakh, funded through member contributions.
The building stands on five cents of land allotted by the district administration. However, one cent of the land on which the retaining wall was constructed still belongs to the government.
The Collapse
Gp Capt Amin explained that on the night of May 28, 2025, heavy rain caused the entire retaining wall, along with part of the cliff face, to collapse onto the sports ground below. This exposed the building's foundation and created a serious threat to its structural stability.
The matter was immediately reported to municipal authorities, who issued a notice directing that the building should not be used until further orders.
Technical Assessment and Cost Estimates
The association later obtained a technical assessment from civil engineers, who recommended construction of a much stronger retaining wall with a more robust design. Preliminary estimates placed the cost at around Rs 46 lakh, while municipal authorities assessed the project at approximately Rs 86 lakh.
Since the expenditure was beyond the association's means, it approached Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath for assistance to rebuild the wall using public funds. Amin said the MLA assured support and issued several directions to the Mangaluru City Corporation to initiate the work. However, the proposal has not moved forward, with officials citing lack of funds and questions over whether the project falls within the scope of public interest.
Appeal for Contributions
Amin noted that the association has limited financial resources and appealed to supporters of veterans' welfare, concerned citizens, and well-wishers to contribute towards the reconstruction. He assured full transparency in the use of funds and promised to provide periodic updates to contributors.
