Deekshith D V
Pics: Ramesh Pandit 

Daijiworld Media Network–Mangaluru 

Mangaluru, Jun 19: The monsoon season has begun. yet Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has not taken up proper initiatives to dredge silts from major storm water drains for smooth flow of rain water during the rainfall.

There are several major drains in city which are left unattended by municipal council. During heavy rain, these drains create artificial flood and cause lot of problems to commuters.

The silt removing work in places like Subhash Nagara, Pandeshwara, Hoige Bazar, Boloor,Jeppinamogaru and Kottara Chowki has not been completed so far. If the silt is not removed, many drains in the city will overflow.

Speaking to Daijiworld, former leader of opposition in MCC, Premanand Shetty said, “Corporation has not taken any initiative to remove silt from drains. A 2 kilometer long storm water drain which passes through Attavara, Pandeshwara, Hoige Bazar and Subhash Nagara has not been cleaned so far. If the silt is not been removed, it would block the drain and create artificial flood on road.”

Responding about preparedness of MCC to face monsoon, Mayor Harinath informed Daijiworld and said, “Tender has been called to remove silt from drains. Dredging and cleaning work at many major drains at Ballal Bagh, near Jail Road, Marakada are over.”

When asked why dredging has not started at Athavara, Pandeshwara, and Hoigebail, he said, “The concerned corporator should inform this to MCC so that we can immediately act on this.”

Potholes, a problem

Potholes in places like Padil Bajal, Shakthinagar and Kulshekar have put the commuters to hardship. During the rainy season, the two-wheel riders suffer a lot because of these potholes. Residents of Shakthinagar complained that MCC has not taken any initiative to remove these potholes.

Leakage in UGD

An underground drain (UGD) near Jeppinamogaru has started overflowing. This also has resulted in pollution. Few locals also complaint that the many residents were suffering from malaria and dengue in the locality.

Water puddles on National Highway

In National Highway from BC Road to Nanthoor-Surthkal, the absence of the shoulder drains has worsened the stretch with many water puddles. These are usually created in front of A J Hospital, between Kuntikana and KPT Junction at KPT Junction, between Padil and Adyar. Two wheelers manage to avoid the puddles but when the heavy vehicle pass, the pedestrians are drenched with dirty water.