A newly built drainage system in Udupi has failed quickly, causing repeated sewage overflow and public inconvenience.
Udupi
A newly constructed underground drainage system on the Mission Hospital–Chittpadi Road has reportedly failed within weeks of completion, with multiple sewage chambers overflowing and causing persistent civic issues for residents and commuters.
The drainage line, built to improve sewage management along the busy stretch connecting the Mission Hospital area to Chittpadi in Bailoor Ward, was completed after more than two months of construction work. The project included installation of new chambers as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade by civic authorities.
However, residents say the system began malfunctioning almost immediately after it was commissioned. Initially, only one manhole showed signs of overflow, but the issue soon spread to multiple chambers along the road. At present, sewage is reportedly overflowing from at least three chambers on a daily basis.
Despite routine cleaning efforts by civic workers each morning, the problem reoccurs, indicating a deeper structural or design flaw. The continuous overflow has resulted in foul odour, unhygienic surroundings, and inconvenience for pedestrians, motorists and nearby residents.
Officials note that the affected stretch is an important connector serving several residential areas with steady traffic throughout the day. During monsoon conditions, the situation is expected to worsen as sewage mixes with rainwater, increasing the risk of contamination and mosquito breeding.
The recurring failures have raised concerns over the quality and execution of the drainage project. Locals and observers are questioning whether proper planning and engineering standards were followed during construction, as temporary repairs have failed to resolve the issue.
Authorities, including the Udupi City Municipal Council, have been urged to identify the root cause and implement a permanent solution rather than repeated short-term fixes. Residents have also called for stricter monitoring of civic works to ensure accountability and durability in public infrastructure projects.
The incident has once again highlighted broader concerns about urban drainage systems and the need for more reliable, long-term solutions, especially ahead of the peak monsoon season when such failures can pose greater health and safety risks.
