Manhole overflow issue, Udupi councillors on war path

Manhole overflow issue, Udupi councillors on war path

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug 2,2017: On the issue of overflowing manholes dominated the general body meeting of the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) on july 31, Monday.  Member Harish Ram said sewage overflows when rainwater enters the manholes. This has become common and several areas are stinking. Temporary measures, such as patch works, do not sustain for a long time, he charged.  Opposition leader M R Pai said the apartments and hospitals also contribute to the unhygienic conditions with massive sewage.

CMC commissioner Manjunathaiah said that the old manholes are of poor quality. Only 10 feet pipes are installed with the couplings, which end up in sewage in the midst of bricks that are used for the construction. Effort is being made to find a solution to the issue as the government has released Rs 370 crore for Underground Drainage (UGD) works and drinking water projects, he explained.

A new way to strengthen the manholes are being devised and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared. Besides, a preliminary survey has been taken up, he noted.

Manjunathaiah said that a new one will be built using CVC pipes and concrete will replace the bricks. Separate junctions are made from linkages. The geography of the municipal area is different as Manipal is nestled in the elevated area, while Udupi is in the middle and Malpe is at lower strata of the earth. Hence, the water that flows from Manipal gets stagnated in Udupi, he explained.

The UGD seepage problem is in all wards and a meeting will be held in each ward to ensure proper awareness on recycling and reusing the drainage water, he added.

Member Yashpal Suvarna said the uneven bus stops on the national highway have created problem to the commuters.

The CMC commissioner said that the National Highway Authority of India is working on plans on the sketches of bus stops. The final call for land acquisition in some pending areas are being considered.

Dredging in Baje reservoir to prevent water scarcity also came up for discussion. A proposal has been submitted to the government through the deputy commissioner. The work will be taken up by Mines and Geology Department once the water level decreases by January, he added.

Manjunathaiah said the CMC will also focus on sustainable plans to prevent too much expenses for tanker water supply. Plans have been chalked out to start water rationing once the inflow stops in the reservoir. Illegal water connections will be sternly penalised.

Earlier, 1,780 metres were not running connections. Now, it has been reduced to 976. Around 2 mld water is used for illegal connections, he said.

The members demanded CCTV cameras at crucial junctions where the public dump waste.

Manjunathaiah said that he has spoken to the Directorate of Municipal Administration and its officials will visit the city on August 12 to 14 in connection with the unruly behaviour of the Congress councillors in the last meeting. He said he will study the incident and decide the penalty. Further action is awaited.