Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 1: Locals from Karambar staged a protest at the entrance of Mangaluru International Airport on Monday July 1, after runoff from the airport's runway damaged seven houses due to heavy rain.

Despite repeated requests, the airport authorities and district administration have failed to address the residents' concerns about waterlogging at their homes caused by the overflow from the runway.

The protesters also alleged that a private property owner in Karambar had blocked the drainage flow by dumping large amounts of mud.

Residents of the seven affected houses are in dire straits, forced to stay in waterlogged conditions, with even their ration supplies completely ruined.

Frustrated by the lack of response from the authorities, the locals stopped vehicles from entering the airport in protest. The police intervened, cleared the way, and engaged in discussions with the protestors.

Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty visited the site to assess the situation and listen to the grievances of the residents.

The locals are demanding that the deputy commissioner and tahsildar visit the site and provide a permanent solution.

One of the houses in Karambar was completely waterlogged. A resident who runs a PG had a tough time after water entered her house. The vessels and furniture were floating in the water, causing damage to the electric equipment.

The ration bought for the PG students were ruined and had to be dried on the terrace, while some were discarded due to a foul smell.