Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Apr 28: Concerns over alleged police misconduct and the maintenance of Manipal Lake were addressed at the general body meeting of the Manipal City Municipal Council (CMC) held at Sathyamoorthi Auditorium.

Councillor Kalpana Sudhama of Ishwar Nagar ward voiced strong objections to the behaviour of police personnel during a recent inspection by the deputy commissioner near Manipal Lake, a popular tourist destination now affected by plastic waste and sludge. Stressing that the maintenance of the lake falls under the jurisdiction of the CMC, she opposed any interference from the district administration. She condemned the police’s conduct as an insult to public representatives and demanded an official public apology, along with immediate action to restore the lake’s cleanliness.

Responding to the issue, CMC president Prabhakar Poojary and MLA Yashpal Suvarna assured the council that a memorandum demanding an apology would be submitted to the district administration. They warned that the CMC would not tolerate police excesses and were prepared to initiate legal action if necessary. They reiterated that the maintenance of Mannapalla Lake is exclusively the responsibility of the CMC and cautioned the district administration against future interference.

Meanwhile, councillors Ramesh Kanchan and Amrutha Krishnamoorthi raised concerns about the city’s poor drainage system, citing clogged drains filled with garbage. They also criticized the CMC for administrative mismanagement, highlighting failures in maintaining streetlights, drainage, and electrical wiring.

In response, CMC president Prabhakar Poojary instructed councillors to immediately ensure the cleaning of their respective wards, emphasizing the urgency ahead of the monsoon season. Environmental officer Sneha informed the council that regular desilting of drains is underway and that additional civic workers would be appointed to assist in maintenance.

Addressing the issue of sewage discharge by hotels and apartments, assistant engineer Durga Prasad said, "Hotels and apartments in Manipal city have been discharging sewage into the sewers. Notices have been issued and a fine of Rs 25,000 has been imposed on each. If they continue this practice, water supply to these units will be disconnected."

The meeting was attended by vice president Rajani Hebbar, CMC commissioner Uday Shetty, councillors, and officers.