Pics: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Mar 13: Residents of Birthi in Varamballi village, Brahmavar, have alleged that a retired Customs officer has encroached a gutter and is causing inconvenience to the localities.

According to villagers, Chandrakanth Shettigar, resident of Birthi village has encroached the gutter adjoining his property and blocked the flow of water.

“We have complained to the tahsildhar several times. However, no action has been taken till date. The water that flows in the gutter at Shantinagara, joins the Barkur River. Hence, maintaining this gutter is important to avoid waterlogging. However, Chandrakanth Settigar has blocked the water flow,” Rajesh Shetty, member of Varamballi Gram Panchayat tells Daijiworld.com.

With monsoon season just a couple of months away, residents are fearing that the rain water may enter their houses due to the blockade. Raghupathi Bhat, MLA Udupi, Brahmavar tahsildhar and other revenue officers had conducted a spot visit and ordered Chandrakanth to clear the encroachment.

Speaking about the issue, Laxminarayana Bhat, Revenue inspector said, “We had visited the spot and orally asked Chandrkanth Shettigar to revoke the encroachment. Now, we have issued a notice for the same. If he does not adhere to the notice and remove the encroachment in the presence of tahsildhar, we will remove the encroachment" he warned.