Drainage, water supply issues dominate Udupi CMC meeting

The issue of underground drainage system and water supply came up for discussion prominently in the City Municipal Council’s (CMC) general body meeting here on Friday.

Raising the issue of inadequate underground drainage system and the problems arising out of inappropriate town planning, Members Prashanth Ameen, Prashanth  Bhat, Dinaker Shetty, Shyamprasad Kudva, Jyothi Naik and Ganesh Hergi demanded a clarification on overflowing of drainage effluents in most of the wards. Kalsanka drench is massively contaminated, they members alleged.

The members said the effluents are contaminating the water bodies. Replying to a query by Member Jyothi Naik, a CMC officer said the flat system has added to the woes. The drainage pit lacks the capacity to absorb the effluents discharged  from many number of flats and it starts overflowing. The town planning bylaws should strictly introduce certain conditions before permitting the construction of houses, he said.

He added that the Urban Development Authority is revising the Comprehensive Development Plan. It is considering a proposal to mandatorily ask the applicants to construct two separate pits for the effluents of toilets and the effluents discharged by the other sources of waste. This is the only way out to get rid of the problem, he added.

The MESCOM officials were taken to task for not working on a streetlight project though the project estimates were approved two years ago. The members also alleged that the MESCOM officials are irresponsible and are not attending the power-related problems seriously.

The members also discussed about drinking water problem. Irregular water supply has created problems in many areas and the people are struggling for water, they claimed.

CMC President Yuvaraj said water level at Baje reservoir is 5.08 metres at present as against the previous year’s level of 6.10 metres. The water level is low when compared to previous years. Plans would be chalked out shortly to solve the water scarcity problems. The hydroelectricity power project functioning near the reservoir would be stopped. The bend is constructed against the Shiroor reservoir, he added.

The members also poured out their grievances against the Malpe Development Committee, headed by the deputy commissioner. They said the committee is useless and is not functioning. They demanded that the House should pass a resolution demanding the responsibility of the committee. 

Member M R Pai said no officials has been deputed look into safety aspect though adventurous sports have been introduced at Malpe Beach.

The members alleged that the deputy commissioner does not have courtesy to listen to the problems at the beach.

CMC Commissioner Manjunathayya said steps have been taken to appoint life guards. A comprehensive waste management system is being introduced at the beach. An amount of Rs 3 lakh is being spent on cleaning every month and 30 granite benches have been provided for visitors at the beach, he added.

The members also raised the issues of street dog menace, irregular maintenance of streetlights and inappropriate solid waste management system.