Upa Lokayukta Slams Udupi Sewage Plant Mismanagement, Orders Action
Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa conducted a rigorous inspection of the Nittur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Udupi on Friday, expressing profound dissatisfaction with its operational failures. Despite monthly maintenance expenditures exceeding Rs 3 lakh, the plant exhibited severe mismanagement, prompting immediate directives for legal action.
Alarming Findings at the Treatment Plant
Justice Veerappa noted multiple critical issues during his visit. A foul odour permeated the area, treatment processes were inadequate, and partially untreated water was observed flowing directly into the sea. He was particularly alarmed by the discharge of black-coloured water, contradicting claims that the plant utilizes six purification stages. Describing the situation as serious, he advised filing a suo motu complaint to address these violations.
The Upa Lokayukta specifically directed officials to register a negligence case against Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) officer Keerthi Kumar, holding him accountable for the lapses. Established in 2010 by the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC), the plant is earmarked for a Rs 30-crore upgrade. Although funds have been approved, municipal officials' assertions that preliminary work has commenced lacked clarity, frustrating Justice Veerappa due to poor coordination and information gaps.
Environmental and Health Hazards Highlighted
Justice Veerappa emphasized the dire consequences of inadequately treated water entering marine ecosystems. He explained that chemicals ingested by marine life ultimately harm humans who consume seafood, creating a public health risk. Having inspected STPs across 18 districts, he remarked that none were as poorly managed as Udupi's facility, underscoring the severity of the neglect.
At the nearby Indrani River, residents, including a woman named Indira, reported long-standing issues. They have been unable to use well water for years, and the polluted conditions have led to fish mortality. Many locals suffer from asthma and respiratory problems exacerbated by the persistent stench. Justice Veerappa condemned this negligence as unacceptable, especially after observing debris and dead animals along the riverbanks. He instructed port and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) officials to implement systematic cleaning and maintenance protocols.
Broader Administrative Failures Uncovered
The inspection extended beyond environmental concerns. At the Udupi Taluk office, Justice Veerappa and his team identified discrepancies across various administrative sections, leading to another suo motu complaint. In the sub-registrar's office, the discovery of private documents in contract workers' bags prompted directives to file complaints regarding information mismanagement and procedural irregularities.
Additional visits included the district hospital, Udupi City Municipality office, and the KSRTC bus stand in Bannaje, highlighting a pattern of oversight. The inspection was attended by key officials such as Lokayukta Deputy Registrar (Inquiry-1) Aravind NV, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, and Mangaluru Division Lokayukta SP BP Dinesh Kumar, ensuring a comprehensive review of local governance.
Justice Veerappa's actions underscore a commitment to accountability, urging swift remediation to protect public health and the environment from further degradation.
