PIcs: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 30: The issue of underground drainage mismanagement, frequently raised by both ruling and opposition members in Mangaluru City Corporation’s (MCC) general meetings, continued in the meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of mayor Manoj Kumar.

Both ruling and opposition members expressed objections regarding the mismanagement of sewage treatment plants (STPs), leading to the flow of untreated sewage into stormwater drains and eventually into rivers.

Initially, member Chandravathi alleged that wastewater from a private hospital was being discharged into stormwater drains. In response, an official stated that the hospital had already constructed an STP. However, after verifying the situation, the mayor directed officials to take action if the hospital’s STP was not operational within 15 days.

“We have been discussing the mismanagement of STPs for the past five years, yet the issue remains unresolved. The mayor recently visited the Bajal STP and claimed it is functioning properly. However, sewage from the Jappinamogaru stormwater drain is still flowing into the Netravati River. The Madhya STP is not receiving sewage properly due to issues with its generator. During power outages, wastewater from the wet wells directly enters the Nandini River,” said corporator Praveen Chandra Alva, expressing his dissatisfaction.

Local corporator Shwetha Poojary raised concerns over the Madhya STP in Surathkal, which was constructed under the AMRUT scheme and later handed over to the corporation. However, she questioned why its maintenance is still being handled by KUIDFC despite repeated queries over the past five years. She pointed out that residents in her ward were facing hardships due to the situation.

Corporator Vinayraj demanded a detailed account of the expenditure on repairs and maintenance of STPs in the city over the past year.

UGD charges levied on homes without UGD connection

Residents have been complaining that UGD (underground drainage) charges are being levied even on homes that do not have a UGD connection. Vinayraj questioned why this practice had resumed despite former mayor Premananda Shetty having removed the charges earlier.

A senior official clarified that technical reasons may have led to incorrect billing and assured that any mistakes in charging UGD fees for non-connected homes would be rectified once brought to the corporation’s attention.

Hamilton Circle development sparks protest

Corporator Abdul Latif protested inside the council hall by holding a banner against the removal of Hamilton Circle, a historic landmark, during Smart City project works. He pointed out that the area has now been converted into a one-way street, leading to severe inconvenience.

Corporator Sudheer Shetty sarcastically remarked, “Doesn’t the Speaker walk on this road? Has he not noticed the issue?” He further lashed out at the administration, questioning why even the district in-charge minister and the chief minister, who visited the city twice, failed to take note of the problem.

Opposition members expressed their anger by gathering in front of the mayor’s seat and accusing the BJP-led administration of mismanagement. They also questioned why local MLAs had not taken any action.

DCP Ravishankar, who was present at the meeting, assured that the issue had already been inspected and that steps would be taken to discuss the junction's development with experts from NITK.

Poster protest over water crisis

Corporator Samshad Abubakar raised concerns about the severe water crisis in his ward, stating that he had repeatedly highlighted the issue in several meetings but received no resolution.

“Providing drinking water should be a priority for the MCC administration. However, people in my ward are struggling for basic water supply. Even after borewells are dug, we have to wait for a long time for electricity connections,” he lamented.
Mayor Manoj Kumar questioned officials on why the problem remained unresolved despite repeated complaints. Officials assured that immediate action would be taken.

Ambedkar Circle project still in limbo

Corporator Bharath Kumar pointed out that the renaming of Jyothi Circle to Ambedkar Circle was approved, and plans for its development were made long ago, yet no progress had been made.

Corporator Vinayraj stated that the foundation stone for the Ambedkar Circle project had already been laid. He questioned why the corporation had not taken interest in acquiring land from nearby schools, hospitals, and other institutions if space constraints were an issue.

Responding to this, MCC commissioner Ravichandra Nayak assured that discussions with officials would be held immediately to take necessary action.