Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, May 22: In the aftermath of heavy rains on Tuesday morning, a major concern has arisen along the road from Manipal’s Syndicate Circle toward Lakshmindra Nagar. If the present drainage issues continue unchecked, there is a looming threat to the safety and stability of the Udupi–Manipal National Highway itself.

A stormwater drain is urgently needed near Syndicate Circle to channel the water that descends toward Lakshmindra Nagar. Additionally, immediate repairs must be undertaken in areas where soil and rocks have been washed away.

The rainwater that accumulated near the Syndicate Circle had no proper outlet to flow toward the Kundelu forest, as it traditionally did. Instead, the water flowed directly onto the road, dragging stones and boulders over a stretch of about 50 meters. This created chaos on the highway, as the floodwater carried soil and debris for over 200 meters, damaging nearby shops and houses and causing serious disturbances in Lakshmindra Nagar. The root of the problem lies in the absence of a proper stormwater drainage system along the roadside.

Rainwater flowing from the direction of Manipal usually travels through an open drain in front of an apartment complex and drains into the adjacent Kundelu forest. However, there is no underground drainage facility in place. On Tuesday, the lack of such infrastructure led to water being blocked and diverted onto the roads, creating significant problems.

There is no drainage system along the highway to carry rainwater away. In places where a drain could have been built, soil and stones have been dumped, obstructing the natural flow. This has resulted in the soil and rocks being washed away in a single bout of rain, and now water continues to flow along the road itself. Even on Wednesday, rainwater flowed directly onto the road due to this issue.

The current drainage system begins near the Manipal Circle but is narrow. During heavy rain, it overflows onto the road. Constructing a proper stormwater drain from the higher end to the lower end, and widening the existing drainage, could provide a partial solution to this recurring problem.

Loose stones and debris that were carried onto the highway have not been fully cleared. Although large rocks have been pushed to the divider, smaller stones remain scattered across the road. Two-wheelers are skidding, and accidents are occurring as a result. Additionally, the rainwater has created large potholes along the roadside. With vehicles approaching from the opposite direction under such conditions, the risk of accidents has increased substantially.

This situation highlights the urgent need for a well-planned drainage system in Manipal to prevent further damage to public and private property and to protect one of the region’s most critical roadways.