Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 19: A new underground drainage (UGD) project costing Rs 1,200 crore is being prepared to streamline the sewerage system in the Mangaluru City Corporation limits, which involves huge expenditure and has been a persistent problem for the public, said deputy commissioner Darshan H V.

He shared details of the proposed project while responding to questions from journalists during a phone-in programme organised at the mayor’s chamber of the Mangaluru City Corporation on Thursday. The programme saw a large number of complaints from the public, most of them related to sewerage issues.

Several callers complained that sewage from apartments and houses was being discharged into stormwater drains and that sewage was also entering major drains. It was pointed out that while rules mandate the operation of separate sewage treatment plants (STPs) during the construction of apartments, older apartments do not have such systems. In many new apartments too, STPs are reportedly not functioning properly, leading to further problems.

In view of these issues, the deputy commissioner said a comprehensive underground drainage project would be prepared based on the city’s population for the next six years to address sewerage-related problems. He said meetings had already been held with the district in-charge minister, and discussions had also taken place with the secretary of the urban development department. Steps are being taken to present the project in the upcoming budget, he added.

100 electric buses for Mangaluru

During the programme, a caller named Ramayya complained that private buses operating on the Bajal route (No. 9 bus) were cutting trips during morning and night hours. He also pointed out that the KSRTC bus service that earlier operated on this route had been discontinued.

Responding to this, deputy commissioner Darshan said that 100 electric government buses have been sanctioned for Mangaluru city by the central and state governments. The tender process for the supply of buses has been completed, and around 50 per cent of the buses will arrive in the city in the first phase by May. The remaining buses will be supplied in the second phase within the next three months.

He further informed that arrangements are being made at two locations in the city for parking these buses, including necessary infrastructure. Recruitment of additional bus drivers has also been completed, and training is currently under way.

A total of 30 calls were received during the phone-in programme. Officials concerned were directed to visit the respective locations, examine minor issues raised by the public, and take necessary action. Corporation commissioner Ravichandra Naik, along with other senior and junior officials of the corporation, was present.