Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Aug 9: Udupi district authorities have informed upa lokayukta justice B Veerappa that a total of 109 homestays and 21 resorts operating illegally in the district have been shut down.
The Udupi assistant commissioner, tourism department deputy director, Mescom executive engineer, Udupi deputy superintendent of police, and Udupi taluk panchayat executive officer presented a joint statement in this regard before the upa lokayukta.
The upa lokayukta had registered a suo motu case following complaints about illegal resorts, homestays, and untreated sewage being discharged into the sea in the district. As part of this, he had recently paid a surprise visit to Udupi for an inspection.
Officials who recently appeared before the upa lokayukta provided information regarding the actions taken in this case. They stated that currently, 227 homestays and 42 resorts are operating in the district after obtaining the necessary permissions from the concerned authorities. Meanwhile, operations of 109 homestays and 21 resorts functioning illegally have been halted.
Recording the statements of the officials, the upa lokayukta directed strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the state government on April 29, 2026, and the circular dated April 27, regarding the operation, safety, and security measures of homestays and bed-and-breakfast accommodations.
Additionally, the upa lokayukta directed the formation of a committee headed by the assistant commissioner to inspect the condition of sewage treatment plants (STPs) across the district.
While taking suo motu cognizance of the case, the upa lokayukta had expressed serious concern over the underground drainage system and waste management in Udupi. He observed that in the coastal city, inadequately treated sewage and untreated wastewater from the city municipality were reaching the sea, affecting marine life and polluting the groundwater and surrounding environment.
The upa lokayukta expressed dissatisfaction over the improper treatment of Udupi city's sewage. He also pointed out that waste was not being disposed of properly at the sewage treatment plant in Nittur.
Inspections revealed that the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level in the water was more than 10 points above the prescribed limit. Inadequately treated water flows out of the plant and joins the drains. These drains connect to the Indrani river, which eventually joins the sea near the Kalmadi bridge and Bapu Thota near Malpe.
Expressing concern about the impact on the environment and marine life due to untreated sewage directly entering the sea, the upa lokayukta has scheduled the next hearing of the case for September 29.