Bhatkal: Councilors of Ward No. 20 and 21 in Bhatkal's TMC have raised concerns about the inadequate construction of underground drainage pipelines and manholes, resulting in the contamination of well water with sewage.

Councilors Mulla Fayyaz and Fathima Kausar Chamundi have submitted a memorandum to the TMC administrator and Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal sub-division, urging immediate intervention to rectify the issue.

Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to Uttara Kannada District's incharge minister Mankal Vaidya and Deputy Commissioner Gangubai Maankar. The councilors assert in the memorandum that the newly installed concrete manholes, replacing the old brick ones, are of poor and substandard quality. The pipeline work has been executed in an unscientific manner, hindering the smooth flow of wastewater. Consequently, the accumulation of debris in the manholes leads to the discharge of contaminated water into the wells of nearby houses.

The contamination of well water poses health risks, creating concerns about the potential spread of various diseases. The memorandum highlights the distress of area residents who, due to the polluted wells and lack of access to clean drinking water, are compelled to relocate to other areas.

In light of these issues, the councilors have appealed to the relevant authorities to promptly remove the substandard manholes and pipelines. They urge the construction of new, properly functioning manholes in both wards to alleviate the problem and ensure the well-being of the community.