Periyapatna: Over 35 houses that were built by the State Government for tribals living at the border areas of the forest were damaged last night due to heavy rain that pounded Periyapatna and surrounding areas. Most of the houses at Uthanahalli Girijana Colony had asbestos sheets as the roof and gusty winds blew the sheets away that were not fixed properly.

Heavy rain, accompanied by thunder, lightning and winds  which began at about 6 pm lasted till about 7.30 pm and it left a trail of destruction. While asbestos sheets of most of the houses flew away, the houses that had tiled roofs developed cracks.

Most of the tiles crumbled into the rooms of the houses and fortunately no one was injured. The houses built by the Panchayat has been completely destroyed with no chance of repairs.

Food grains, vegetables and other perishable items that were stored inside the houses were destroyed and over 100 people including women and children had to sleep on an empty stomach as there was no way for them to cook. They took shelter at the primary school near the colony.

Villagers alleged that the houses were built for them under the rehabilitation package and the Tribal Development Coordination Committee had spent Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh per house. “The houses were built with mud and asbestos sheets were fixed   as roof.

These sheets have not been fixed properly and the walls have developed cracks. We fear for our lives and how can we live in such houses in monsoon,” the tribals asked.

Tribals have alleged that the contractors hired by the Tribal Development Coordination Committee and the Panchayat had undertaken sub-standard works and had hoodwinked the government by presenting inflated bills while the actual construction cost was much less.  

This morning, a team of officials led by Tribal Development Department Officer Ramegowda visited some of the houses and assured the tribals that their houses will be repaired.