Mangaluru Residents Demand Action on Decade-Old Civic Issues
In a striking display of civic neglect, residents of Malemar, Nekkila, and Kottara Chowki in Mangaluru are raising their voices against unresolved basic civic problems that have persisted for over a decade. Located barely a mile from the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) headquarters, these low-lying areas face severe challenges, particularly during the monsoon season, with sewage allegedly flowing through stormwater drains and flooding homes and streets.
Recurring Flooding and Health Hazards
Every monsoon, the situation escalates as sewage from stormwater drains inundates homes and streets, disrupting daily life, causing property damage, and posing significant health risks. Residents report that this recurring problem has become a nightmare, with valuables, including vehicles, being destroyed during severe floods, such as the one in May 2018. The flooding not only damages infrastructure but also creates unsanitary conditions that threaten public health.
Protests and Demands for Resolution
Frustrated by the lack of action, residents, under the banner of the Janahita Rakshana Samithi (JRS), recently held a protest and plan to intensify their campaign before the next monsoon. JRS convenor Kumar Malemar highlighted that memorandums have been submitted to the district administration, MCC, and people's representatives since 2016, but to no avail. "Residents have been visiting the offices of the MCC commissioner and the deputy commissioner and submitting memorandums since 2016. Since the various issues that thousands of residents in the area are facing have not yet been resolved, we decided to meet the MP of Dakshina Kannada, Capt Brijesh Chowta," he said.
Kumar added that they will request the MP to chair a special meeting with officials to address their concerns. The residents have listed about a dozen demands, with top priorities including:
- Construction of the Malemar Chowki service road by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- Stopping sewage flow in the stormwater drain to prevent contamination and flooding.
- Clearing encroachments on drains to ensure proper water flow and reduce flood risks.
Lack of Basic Facilities
Beyond flooding, residents also face a severe lack of basic infrastructure. Activist Suresh Udupa pointed out that Kottara Chowki lacks a bus bay, and the busy junction suffers from the absence of signal lights and a zebra crossing, making it hazardous for pedestrians and commuters. This highlights broader issues of urban planning and civic neglect in the area.
Kumar emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the three localities flood every rainy season. "Many residents find it difficult when sewage from the stormwater drain enters their houses. Residents already held a protest and are now awaiting a positive response from the authorities concerned," he said, underscoring the need for immediate intervention to prevent further damage and health crises.
As the next monsoon approaches, residents are determined to escalate their efforts, hoping that sustained pressure will finally bring the attention and action needed to resolve these long-standing civic issues and improve their quality of life.
