Rajakaluve turns into health hazard, residents demand action

HUBBALLI

The deteriorating condition of the rajakaluve (stormwater drain) has sparked health and safety concerns among residents of Gousia Nagar, Ibrahimpur and surrounding areas. The drain, which lacks proper fencing or maintenance, has become a dumping site for hard waste and construction debris. A foul stench now pervades the area, with locals reporting severe health issues. Residents are urging the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) to clean the drain and build a protective wall to prevent sewage overflow into homes. Despite repeated pleas, no concrete steps were taken so far. The nala development was carried out by Smart City and it was completed only across 6km, with the remaining 5km left undeveloped. During 2024, the residents suffered many problems, such as drain water entering their houses. However, the HDMC did not take any action to clean the nala at major places. MM Hosur, a resident of Gousia Nagar, said the rajakaluve at Old Hubballi has many houses near the nala facing problems. The government started the construction of a barrier wall under the Smart City project from the back gate of Unakal Lake and reached Old Hubballi but did not extend further.

Bhaskar Jituri, joint chief trustee of SSK Tulajabhavani Temple Kendra Panch Samiti, said earlier, he suggested cleaning the nala by using a small JCB that can enter the nala easily. “The nala was blocked completely. A project for a permanent solution must be planned, otherwise, it is a never-ending problem,” he said.

Rudresh Gali, HDMC Commissioner, said MLA Prasad Abbayya brought around Rs 10 crore for the construction of the rajakaluve wall. Around 6km of rajakaluve was protected and developed under the Smart City project. Still, 4 km has to be done, he said. “We already cleaned the nala,” he said.