DC directs MCC to prevent artificial flooding

Mangaluru: Observing that several areas in the city were likely to experience waterlogging due to artificial flooding during the upcoming monsoon season, causing inconvenience to the public, deputy commissioner Darshan HV directed Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) officials to take appropriate measures. The DC, who is also the administrator of the MCC, instructed that the work of clearing silt from the city's major drains and stormwater channels be undertaken swiftly with public cooperation.The DC held a meeting with MCC officials on Thursday to discuss measures to prevent artificial flooding. As a precautionary measure, the DC instructed that the work of clearing silt from the city's major drains (rajakaluve) and stormwater channels be undertaken swiftly with public cooperation.
MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik said that as part of the pre-monsoon preparations of the MCC, it is planned to start removal of silt in all wards of the city corporation, covering approximately 50km of major drains and main channels connected to the stormwater drains, starting in March. The tender process was initiated for the work, he said.The public and organisations are welcome to provide suggestions on managing the work efficiently and systematically, and public participation during the silt removal process is encouraged, he added.People in the densely populated areas of Malemar, Nekkila and Kottara Chowki in the city held a demonstration recently, and warned that they would intensify their protests if their decade-old demand to prevent artificial flooding was not fulfilled. Residents in several wards of the city also demanded that the urban local body ensure the free flow in stormwater drains during the upcoming monsoon.