Encroached footpaths and UGD discussed at MCC phone-in programme

Mangaluru: A wide range of civic issues, from encroached footpaths to issues with underground drainage, were raised at the phone-in programme held by deputy commissioner and administrator of Mangaluru City Corporation Darshan HV on Friday.About 35 callers reached out to the DC with pedestrian safety concerns, irregular water supply, desilting of drains, incomplete infrastructure works and waste management lapses. Pradeep Kumar from Attavara said the footpath from Mangaluru Railway Station towards Attavara has been taken over by parked vehicles, forcing pedestrians onto the road. He also alleged that autorickshaw drivers charge excessive fares for short 1.5-km distances. Water-related grievances were also raised. Praveen Kumar from Bangrakulur said he had not received a water bill for over a year despite being willing to pay. The DC directed officials to immediately look into the issue. Another caller said that despite getting a water connection four months ago, supply had not yet reached his house. Concerns over sanitation and drainage were repeatedly raised. Ignatius D'Souza from Pumpwell alleged that gray water is being discharged into stormwater drains, while Ramesh said wastewater is flowing into Baggundi lake, polluting the water body. He urged the administration to develop the lake into a tourism spot. Chandrakanth from Subhashnagar reported that ‘rajakaluve' overflow during the monsoon leads to flooding inside his home, prompting the DC to instruct engineers to inspect the site and take up desilting work immediately. Encroachments and traffic disruptions were another major concern. Ramachandra from Ekkur complained about roadside vendors and parked vehicle blocking roads in the evenings, while Felix from Vamanjoor said the ongoing highway work lacks proper pedestrian crossing facilities. Residents also raised administrative and documentation issues. A caller from Surathkal alleged duplication of site numbers in Krishnapura. The DC directed her to submit details to the Surathkal zonal office and asked officials to verify whether two khatas had been issued for the same property. Motorists flagged safety hazards due to faded speed breakers, to which the DC responded that all humps would be repainted within 15 days. Traffic congestion at Urwa Store Junction was also brought to light, and Darshan said he would take up the matter with traffic police. A caller said an issue in the underground drainage system, while another caller demanded relocation of the private bus stand to Pumpwell and installation of zebra crossings on key roads including Marakada, Jyothinagar and Kavoor.
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