Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 21: Despite strong opposition from residents, an exhibition is set to take place near national highway 66 in Kallapu, drawing protests from the local community. Complaints filed with the district administration and local authorities have reportedly been ignored, forcing residents to consider street protests.
The exhibition, now in its fifth consecutive year, is being organized on private agricultural land for commercial purposes. Scheduled to run through April and May, it attracts large crowds from Mangaluru taluk, Ullal, and even neighbouring Kerala. However, residents of Ward 16 (Kerebail) in Ullal municipality claim that the event is causing severe disruptions, including noise pollution, lack of sanitation, and environmental degradation.
Local concerns are exacerbated by the presence of elderly residents recovering from heart surgeries and children suffering from asthma, who are particularly vulnerable to the pollution caused by the event.
Lack of basic infrastructure and ignored complaints
The exhibition site lacks essential infrastructure, including proper roads, waste disposal, and drinking water facilities. Waste disposal vehicles and gas supply trucks are unable to access the area, worsening sanitation issues. Local municipal representatives and officials have been repeatedly informed, but no action has been taken.
On February 14, residents filed a formal complaint with the Ullal municipality, requesting authorities to deny permission for the event due to unsanitary conditions affecting the neighbourhood. A similar plea was submitted to the Ullal police station. When no response was received, residents escalated their complaints to the deputy commissioner and the chief officer of Ullal municipality on March 12.
Despite these efforts, preparations for the exhibition have already begun. Residents report that every morning, waste is indiscriminately dumped in the area, worsening pollution. The absence of basic amenities at the site has raised concerns about safety, yet authorities, including the fire department, have reportedly granted permission.
Last year, a fire incident at the exhibition was narrowly contained by locals, preventing a major disaster. Given the cramped conditions and lack of emergency measures, residents fear a repeat of such incidents.
Illegal drain closure sparks further outrage
In a related issue, the management of a private wedding hall in Kallapu has allegedly begun expanding its kitchen facilities by encroaching on a storm-water drain. The drain, crucial for channelling rainwater from Chembugudde to Kallapu, has reportedly been partially blocked. The reduced drainage capacity has led to concerns about severe flooding during the monsoon.
Residents raised complaints with municipal authorities, prompting an inspection. Officials assured them that a notice would be issued to stop the work, but the construction continues unchecked.
Residents threaten protest
Frustrated by the authorities' inaction on both the exhibition and the drain closure, residents have warned that they will stage a protest in front of the Ullal municipality office if their grievances remain unaddressed. They have also indicated plans to seek police permission for a demonstration if necessary.