Udupi Deputy Commissioner Issues Legal Warning Over Wastewater Pollution from High-Rise Complexes
In a decisive move to combat water pollution, Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK has declared that stringent legal measures will be initiated against residential high-rise complexes found guilty of discharging untreated wastewater into local rivers and streams. The warning was delivered during a pivotal meeting with the Apartment Owners Association at the DC's office in Manipal on Thursday.
Mandatory Wastewater Management and Reuse
DC Swaroopa TK emphasized that all residential complexes are legally obligated to manage and scientifically treat their wastewater for reuse. "Residential complexes must manage and reuse wastewater through proper treatment. If untreated wastewater is discharged into rivers and streams, immediate legal action will be taken against those responsible," she stated unequivocally. She highlighted that maintaining environmental cleanliness is a fundamental duty, and the contamination of water sources through improper waste disposal is unacceptable.
Alarming Statistics on Non-Compliance
With the rapid proliferation of apartment buildings within the Udupi City Municipality area, more than 376 high-rise complexes have been identified as discharging wastewater directly into stormwater drains without any prior treatment. The municipality has already issued formal notices to these violators. A detailed breakdown reveals that 200 of these non-compliant complexes are located in Manipal, 105 in Udupi city proper, and 70 in the coastal town of Malpe.
Inadequate or Non-Existent Treatment Facilities
The Deputy Commissioner noted a critical issue: while some apartment buildings have installed sewage treatment plants, these facilities are often not operated correctly or are entirely neglected. In other cases, complexes lack any treatment infrastructure altogether. This negligence results in wastewater being directly released, severely contaminating vital water sources, including wells. She also addressed specific complaints about clandestine nighttime discharges into rivers and streams, urging immediate prevention of such practices.
Proposed Infrastructure and Administrative Directives
In a bid to establish a permanent solution, a comprehensive proposal for an underground sewage system covering all city wards has been submitted to the government. This project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 400 crore; however, approval is still pending. To enforce current regulations, DC Swaroopa TK has instructed the city municipality commissioner and the regional environmental officer to compile and submit a detailed report within 20 days. This report must include exhaustive information on the existence, operational management, and scientific handling of wastewater treatment facilities across all residential complexes in the region.
Key Attendees and Collaborative Efforts
The high-level meeting saw participation from several key officials, including City Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi and Regional Environmental Officer K Keerthi Kumar. Office-bearers of the Apartment Owners Association were also present, underscoring a collaborative approach to addressing this pressing environmental and public health issue. The collective aim is to ensure strict adherence to wastewater management protocols and safeguard Udupi's water resources from further degradation.
