Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Apr 1: Water from several wells and borewells in the vicinity of Bittul, falling under the Kinnigoli town panchayat, is not potable. The reason for this is the solid and liquid waste management unit operating in the area.

This unit, which began functioning in 2016, has been overflowing for the past two years. Despite repeated complaints to the concerned departments, no action has been taken. Consequently, water from over 100 wells has become non-potable.

Waste from hotels, residential apartments, vegetable and fish markets is dumped in this yard. The wastewater flows directly to the storage unit through underground drainage behind Nekara Soudha.

Before the construction of the current storage unit, the drainage was open. According to an order from the Karnataka High Court, the present unit was constructed in 2017.

Adjacent to the storage unit is a large lake pond. The overflowing water from the dumping yard has turned it into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, and worms. The waste mixes with the nearby freshwater, contaminating it. Additionally, wastewater flows up to Elathooru, which is two kilometres away from the storage unit. The water from around 50 wells in this area has become non-potable, with some wells even containing traces of oil.

George Mathias, a local resident, stated, "When the Kinnigoli gram panchayat was in existence, this issue existed. No solution has been found in the past 20 years. The waste storage unit's operation lacks planning. Inhabitants of two to three houses near the unit have left due to the unbearable stench and polluted water in the wells. Many other families are also considering leaving." Tests have confirmed that the water in the wells in this area is unfit for consumption.

Nagaraj, the chief officer of the Kinnigoli town panchayat, mentioned, "A new treatment plant is planned. A tender has been issued for Rs nine lac. The work will commence soon."