Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 26: Heavy rainfall continued to lash Mangaluru and surrounding areas of Dakshina Kannada on Monday, May 26, causing severe waterlogging and disruption to daily life. Several low-lying areas were submerged, with water rising to knee height in many locations, making it difficult for pedestrians to navigate the streets.

Among the worst-hit areas was Malemar–Kottara Chowki, a locality now synonymous with annual flooding. As in previous years, rainwater entered residential compounds, forcing residents to wade through water to reach their homes. Two-wheeler owners faced additional hardship as their vehicles stalled or had to be pushed through flooded streets.

Other key areas, including Pumpwell and Jyothi Circle, also reported severe waterlogging for the second consecutive day. Despite repeated incidents, no effective measures have been implemented so far, leaving residents frustrated. The absence of a long-term drainage solution remains a pressing concern for both citizens and urban planners.

The situation in Malemar is not new. The locality has witnessed such flooding for over five years, with each monsoon season bringing similar scenes of submerged houses and inundated roads. Other parts of the city, including Car Street, Bajal underpass, and Padil underpass, also experienced flooding, further exposing the poor state of drainage infrastructure in Mangaluru.

The recurring flooding, especially in areas like Malemar, Kottara Chowki, Padil, and Pumpwell, underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and infrastructure upgrades. With the monsoon season just beginning, authorities must prioritise long-overdue drainage solutions to prevent further damage, safeguard public health, and restore normalcy. Without timely intervention, residents will continue to suffer the consequences of neglected civic planning year after year.