Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 29: River encroachment had happened at the Phalguni riverbank at Kulur here where construction waste and earth were stashed at the bank for the purpose. With the help of the district administration, the city corporation bank has installed poles and displayed warning signs. Protective fencing will be fitted. It also plans to plant trees for a distance of three kilometres from the riverbank.

The district administration and city corporation took this initiative based on the reports about the river encroachment. Construction waste was continuously deposited at the riverbank here and several acres of riverbed were encroached. The district administration has woken up to the seriousness of the issue based on the reports of environmentalists about the chances of natural calamities happening in case the river is encroached by using plastic and construction waste. The district deputy commissioner and city corporation commissioner had visited the spot and noted down the encroachment of the river.

Deputy commissioner (DC) Dakshina Kannada, Dr Rajendra K V, said that as he was busy with covid management, he could not pay attention to river encroachment. He said he visited the spot a few days back, and that the city corporation has been instructed to take corrective steps.

It is proposed to plant 3,200 saplings with the support of the forest department for about three km from near Kulur bridge. The waste poured on the riverbank has been levelled and concrete poles with protective fencing have been installed to stop lorries from bringing garbage here. The planting of saplings will be taken up once this work is finished, said city corporation commissioner, Akshy Sridhar.

The DC said that the Phalguni riverbank provides an ideal opportunity for tourism development on private - public participation basis. He said that there are plans to place a few benches, and CCTV cameras will be installed to keep an eye on illegal activities.