Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jun 30: The smart city project in Mangaluru is facing severe criticism following issues with rainwater management, particularly at a private complex in Kankanady where accumulation in the parking area has caused extensive damage and safety hazards.

Last week's heavy rainfall damaged generators, lifts, and other electrical equipment at the complex due to rainwater seepage in the parking area. Local residents attribute this problem to changes brought about by the smart city project. They claim that an existing dedicated rainwater drain was closed during the project's execution, resulting in the water now flooding into the parking area instead of draining properly.

Zakaria, a local resident, highlighted the community's frustrations, stating, "For many years, rainwater had a designated drain that effectively managed heavy rainfall. However, since the smart city construction began, the closure of the existing drain has diverted water into the parking area. This has led to significant damage, including the destruction of interlocks and, tragically, two recent deaths due to electrocution."

Residents have lodged complaints with local authorities, submitting videos and photos to illustrate the severity of the issues caused by the project. Despite their efforts, the problems remain unresolved.

Another resident added, "The execution of the smart city project has been unscientific. Infrastructure that has been constructed dissolves into rainwater. The newly laid concrete road has become accident-prone, causing injuries to women and children. We urge officials to rectify these issues promptly."

The situation underscores widespread dissatisfaction with the implementation of the smart city project in Mangaluru, prompting calls for immediate corrective measures to address the community's safety concerns and infrastructure woes.