Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Apr 25: The residents of Mathadabettu near here are unable to bear the stench of the drainage water that is flowing in their area for the past four to five days.

The sewage water is blocked in order to carry out the work of Indrani rivulet that is flowing in the heart of the city. This has caused inconvenience to the residents of Mathadabettu. Children have fallen sick due to drinking of contaminated water from the wells.

Rs one crore is sanctioned for the construction of bridge as well as vented dam for Indrani rivulet at Mathadabettu that falls under Bannanje Ward. The work of this project has already begun and the residents are finding it difficult to live because of the unbearable stench.

Mud is put across the river in order to prevent water flowing into the work area. However, drainage water is being flown into the river by city municipality. Hence, the drainage water has got stagnated at the bridge building area of the rivulet. The drainage water has overflown into the trenches that are joining the rivulet due to the rain in the past two days. This has caused suffocation to the residents. Well water of more than 30 houses in contaminated and they cannot drink the same.

The residents say that they were drinking well water for the past 40 years but are unable to use it now due to the contamination with drainage water. In addition, mosquitoes have increased and the fear of malaria and dengue are looming over.

Locals say that they will boycott the coming elections if the government does not resolve the issue faced by Mathadabettu residents for a long time.