Moilykere Lake in Mangaluru Confronts Severe Pollution Threat from Sewage Inflow
The historic Moilykere Lake, located in the Jeppu area of Mangaluru, is currently facing an uncertain and precarious future due to escalating pollution levels. The primary source of this environmental crisis is the continuous inflow of sewage contamination from the surrounding residential localities, which poses a clear and present danger to the health and sustainability of this vital waterbody.
Development and Handover to City Corporation
Originally developed by the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the lake—also known locally as Shettibettu Kere—was handed over to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) for maintenance and upkeep several years ago. Despite this transfer of responsibility, the civic body has consistently failed to implement effective measures to prevent the sewage inflow from nearby areas into the lake, leading to a deteriorating situation.
Residents' Plea for Underground Drainage Solutions
Girish K, the convenor of the Shettibettu Kere Mattu Katte Samrakshana Vedike, emphasized that providing underground drainage (UGD) connections to houses in the vicinity is the only lasting solution to prevent further pollution and restore the lake's ecological balance. "Nearly 400 houses in Mahakalipadpu, Adarsh Nagar, Shettibettu, and Jeppupatna currently lack UGD connections," Girish stated. He revealed that the community has been requesting MLAs, ministers, and MCC officials for these connections for over six years, with initial assurances that the UGD network development would coincide with the Mahakalipadpu Railway Underbridges (RUB) project. However, no substantial work on the UGD development has commenced to date, prompting plans to submit another memorandum to the MCC commissioner and deputy commissioner.
Technical and Topographical Challenges Cited by Authorities
Former mayor Premanand Shetty explained that the city corporation has been unable to develop the UGD network due to significant technical issues related to the area's topography. "Efforts were made to identify a suitable site for constructing a wetwell, which is essential for the UGD system to function through gravitational force," Shetty noted. "However, the project could not move forward due to the lack of an appropriate low-lying area for the wetwell, hindering implementation."
Land Acquisition and Public Opposition Hinder Progress
Naresh P Shenoy, the Deputy Commissioner (Development) at MCC, acknowledged that the city corporation is prepared to undertake the UGD project once a suitable location for a wetwell is identified. "Finding land is a formidable challenge, as residents often oppose the development of wetwells in their neighborhoods, citing concerns over bad odour from such facilities," Shenoy explained. He assured that once the land acquisition process is successfully completed, work on the development of the UGD network will begin promptly, aiming to address the pollution issue at its source.
The ongoing neglect and bureaucratic delays have left Moilykere Lake in a state of environmental distress, with local activists and residents urging immediate action to safeguard this historic waterbody from irreversible damage.
