Mangaluru: With the monsoon season approaching, the district administration has intensified its preparedness measures, focusing on preventing rain-related damage, strengthening emergency response, and accelerating infrastructure works across the city.
Hazard Identification and Tree Pruning
Deputy Commissioner and administrator of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), Darshan HV, announced that the forest department and Mescom teams have begun reconnaissance surveys to identify potential hazards. Following public complaints about dangerously leaning trees along roads and in public spaces, forest personnel have started surveying such locations and will prune hazardous branches. Mescom will appoint temporary staff, with five personnel deployed under each Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE). These staff members will assist linemen during emergencies. Inspections of streetlights and transformers are also underway.
Emergency Response Teams in All Wards
As part of monsoon preparedness, incident commanders have been appointed across all 60 wards within the MCC limits. They will handle emergencies, address public complaints, and manage natural calamities in their respective areas. In addition, gangmen and vehicles will be hired for a period of three months. Each ward will have a five-member team equipped with a vehicle to ensure immediate response during emergencies.
Vulnerable Areas and Flooding Issues
On artificial flooding, the DC said low-lying areas like Malemar, Subhashnagar, and Ullal remain vulnerable, as they were historically natural water-flow paths. He added that recent flooding near the Ambedkar Circle bus stop was primarily caused by plastic waste clogging drain meshes. At Pumpwell (Mahaveera Circle), water from five locations converges into stormwater drains.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Three major upgradation works, including service road widening and the development of a rajakaluve (stormwater drain), are in progress and expected to be completed by May end. Darshan said the one-side road upgradation between Pumpwell Circle and Karavali Junction is likely to be completed by May 20, while work on the opposite side will be taken up after monsoon. Similarly, culvert upgradation on MG Road at Ballalbagh, near the TMA Pai International Convention Centre, will also be undertaken post-monsoon.
Key Measures Before Monsoon
- Major works scheduled for completion by May 20
- 24-hour helpline activated
- From June 1, staff will operate in 3 shifts to ensure round-the-clock response
Source: Mangaluru DC
