Bhatkal
Over 50 wells in Bhatkal town have reportedly been contaminated due to leakage from an underground drainage (UGD) chamber in Ward 15 near Mankuli-Pushpanjali Theatre on Raghunath Road, triggering public outrage and health concerns.
Residents said sewage water has been flowing into roadside drains for the past month, creating foul smell and causing severe inconvenience to commuters and locals, including those travelling towards the railway station. They alleged that the situation has worsened due to poor maintenance and delayed response from authorities.
Locals further claimed that when complaints were raised with the municipal authorities, they were directed to the implementing agency, while officials from the other agency reportedly blamed the municipality for shutting down the old UGD line before connecting the new system. The lack of coordination between departments has left the issue unresolved, residents said.
Due to continuous contamination, groundwater sources, including more than 50 wells in the area, have been affected. Residents expressed concern over drinking water safety, especially during the monsoon season when cleaning and decontamination work becomes more difficult.
Public frustration is growing as sewage continues to flow into drains along the busy Mankuli-Pushpanjali stretch, affecting daily movement and public hygiene conditions in the locality. Residents have urged officials to immediately inspect the site and repair the damaged UGD chamber to stop further contamination.
They also demanded urgent provision of safe drinking water and a long-term solution to prevent recurrence of such issues in the town.
Locals have warned that if the problem is not resolved within two days, they will stage a protest by blocking the national highway on June 15, escalating pressure on civic authorities to act swiftly.
Authorities are yet to issue an official joint statement addressing the ongoing dispute between agencies.