Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 13: "Those who cause artificial floods by not providing for a proper outlet for rain water by way of drain should be sent to jail by registering criminal cases against them," thundered Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner (DC) V Ponnuraj. He was inspecting an extension being developed near Chitrapur since the last few years, on Wednesday March 11.

There have been persistent complaints from the people of Chitrapur and nearby areas, against the closing down of a drain carrying storm water to the sea by the extension developers, causing artificial floods that enter their houses. Ponnuraj reprimanded the officials of Mangalore Urban Development Authority and revenue department officials, who were present on the occasion, as to why they remained mute spectators when land filling work was going on without providing for the outflow of rain water.

He warned the concerned to stop land filling work forthwith unless a drain of suitable size is created for allowing the outflow of rain water. When the developers clarified that the water would flow towards Vishwasagar hotel and towards the east from there, the locals said this arrangement was not at all efficient and not practicable.

The local people informed the DC that the developers of another extension at Bailare have not laid the channel as per the recommendation of the NITK since the last three years, as a result of which people are suffering. The City Corporation has not even paid a sum of Rs 70,000 for preparation of the project report as ordered by the then deputy commissioner to the NITK in this respect, they pointed out. The deputy commissioner promised to look into the matter.

City Corporation commissioner Samir Shukla, MUDA commissioner C G Ramesh, Suratkal revenue inspector Pushparaj Shetty, ex-mayor Ganesh Hosabettu, representatives of the developers, president of Bailare Residents welfare Association M J Salian and others were present.