Mangaluru MLA Takes Action on Critical Infrastructure and Environmental Issues
In response to mounting public complaints, Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath conducted an on-site inspection of two pressing civic problems in the Mahakalipadpu area. The visit focused on the severe water stagnation at railway underbridges due to inadequate drainage and the alarming contamination of the historic Moilykere lake.
Historic Lake Faces Pollution Crisis
The Times of India recently highlighted the deteriorating condition of Moilykere lake, where pollution has become a major concern for residents. MLA Kamath acknowledged that while the lake was fully developed by the Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) during the previous BJP government's tenure, recent drainage from surrounding areas has severely contaminated the water body.
"I have instructed officials to create a comprehensive plan with all necessary measures to prevent drainage water from entering the lake in the future," Kamath stated during the inspection. He emphasized that this pollution prevention strategy is crucial for preserving the lake's ecological balance and historical significance.
Drainage Infrastructure Deficiencies Exposed
The inspection revealed multiple infrastructure gaps contributing to the area's problems:
- Underground Drainage (UGD) System Gap: Approximately 400 houses across Mahakalipadpu, Adarsh Nagar, Shettibuettu, and Jeppupatna lack proper UGD connections, forcing wastewater into inappropriate channels.
- Railway Underbridge Water Logging: A recently constructed wall across the Mahakalipadpu Railway Underbridge (RUB) has obstructed rainwater flow, causing dangerous stagnation on roadways.
- Land Acquisition Challenges: Officials are negotiating to acquire about 10 cents of adjacent private land to construct a crucial wet well for the proposed UGD system.
Community Voices and Political Response
Local representatives including former deputy mayor Bhanumathi PS and former council member Shailesh Shetty brought these issues to the MLA's attention during the visit. Girish K, convenor of the Shettibettu Kere Mattu Katte Samrakshana Vedike, stressed that "providing UGD connections to houses is the lasting solution to prevent pollution and restore the lake."
Despite acknowledging funding constraints over the past 2.5 years, MLA Kamath committed to addressing constituency issues "beyond limits." He directed officials to take prompt action on both the lake pollution and drainage construction at the railway underbridge, recognizing these as urgent public health and safety matters.
The comprehensive inspection underscores the interconnected nature of urban infrastructure and environmental protection, with immediate attention needed on both drainage systems and lake conservation to ensure sustainable development in Mangaluru's southern constituencies.
