Mounesh Vishwakrama

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Mar 31: The alarming pollution of the Netravati river, a crucial water source for Dakshina Kannada district, has raised serious concerns among residents. Despite serving as the primary drinking water supply for Mangaluru city and several taluks, untreated sewage and waste continue to flow into the river at multiple points in Bantwal.

At least 12 locations within Bantwal town municipality limits have been identified where sewage is directly entering the Netravati River, raising fears of water contamination and potential outbreaks of infectious diseases. However, authorities, including the Bantwal municipality, district administration, and Mangaluru City Corporation, have remained largely silent on the issue.

Though the water supplied to residents is filtered and treated, the sight of raw sewage, garbage, plastic bottles, and other waste floating in the river has alarmed locals. The pollution is particularly severe in areas like B C Road, Mapath Lal Layout, Aradhya Layout, Bastipadpu, Kanchikarapete, Gudde, Bantwal Baddakatta (behind the mutton stalls), and near the Tirumala Venkataramana Temple, as well as parts of Panemangalore.

Stalled underground drainage project

The underground drainage (UGD) project for Bantwal municipality, initially approved in 2011 with an allocation of Rs 16.62 crore, has remained incomplete for over a decade. The project was supposed to include seven wet wells and two sewage treatment plants under the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board. However, land acquisition issues, legal disputes, and alleged mismanagement have stalled progress.

In a recent municipal council meeting, senior member Govind Prabhu questioned the project’s irregularities, highlighting unfulfilled land transfers and potential financial mismanagement. While a portion of the drainage system was implemented in B Mooda village, work in Bantwal Kasba village never progressed, leading to complaints being filed with the Lokayukta regarding project quality.

The second phase of the UGD project, approved for Rs 56.54 crore, has seen no execution despite a year passing since its approval. As a result, sewage continues to flow into the Netravati river, turning its once-clear waters into a murky green shade.

Urgent Call for Action

With thousands of people in Bantwal and Mangaluru dependent on Netravati’s water, residents are urging authorities to take immediate corrective measures. They have called on the district commissioner and city officials to inspect the affected sites and initiate urgent clean-up efforts.

Despite Mangaluru being designated as a ‘Smart City’, its residents continue to consume water polluted by untreated sewage from Bantwal. The situation demands immediate intervention to ensure safe drinking water and to protect public health.