Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 9: Residents of Magathandi under the Belma gram panchayat limits have launched a unique form of protest after growing exasperated with the local administration's failure to address a severe sewage issue.

Exhausted from submitting memorandums and knocking on officials' doors to no avail, the villagers decided to take matters into their own hands, blocking a storm water drain that was allegedly being used to discharge sewage.

The villagers allege that sewage and human waste from nearby commercial buildings and lodges are being discharged into the drain meant for rainwater, which eventually flows onto the road leading to Magathandi. The unbearable stench and unhygienic conditions have made it a nightmare for pedestrians and motorists.

Despite multiple complaints to the panchayat development officer (PDO), the residents claim their grievances were met with typical bureaucratic delays.

Driven by frustration, the villagers resorted to filling the drain with mud to block the flow of the contaminated water. Their protest has taken a sharp, satirical tone, challenging the administration's integrity and questioning whether rules are bypassed in exchange for bribes when issuing licenses to commercial establishments.

The locals raised serious questions about the enforcement of regulations concerning waste management and underground drainage systems while granting permissions for commercial buildings and lodges. "Is there a law for granting licenses, or is it a culture of taking bribes?" the residents questioned, highlighting the apparent apathy of the officials towards public health and environmental safety.

The villagers have even appealed to health minister U T Khader Fareed to intervene and address the situation, urging the concerned panchayat officials to inspect the area and take strict legal action against the commercial establishments violating waste disposal norms.

The locals' anger was palpable in their satirical messages, offering a "heartfelt tribute" to those responsible for the situation and condemning those who discharge sewage into the drain.

It remains to be seen whether the administration will finally wake up from its slumber and address the genuine grievances of the Magathandi residents or if the issue will be swept under the rug until the next monsoon.