Bhatkal: With the monsoon approaching the Karnataka coast, fresh concerns have surfaced in Bhatkal over the ongoing NH-66 four-laning works, as residents and social activists questioned the absence of a clear stormwater drainage plan in several parts of the town. Locals fear that if immediate corrective measures are not taken, heavy rains could trigger severe flooding along stretches of the highway passing through the town.
Amid mounting public complaints, Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya visited multiple locations in Bhatkal on Thursday to review the progress of the national highway project. Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Director Shivakumar, Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner J. Mahesh, Bhatkal DySP Girish and other officials accompanied him during the inspection.
Residents alleged that large drainage pipes are being laid beneath the highway at locations such as Ranginkatte, opposite the KSRTC bus stand and near Noor Masjid, but there is no clarity on where the water from these pipelines will ultimately be discharged. They questioned whether the authorities had put in place any proper connecting drainage network.
Locals expressed concern that during heavy rainfall, water could simply be diverted to the roadside, turning service road areas and nearby low-lying stretches into waterlogged zones. Shopkeepers and residents fear that rainwater may eventually enter commercial establishments and houses located along the highway corridor.
Speaking to the minister, Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem Bhatkal president Inayatullah Shahbandari and Bhatkal Citizen Forum president Satish Kumar said the NHAI appeared to lack a comprehensive drainage strategy for the town. They warned that the current execution of the project could create serious hardships for residents once the monsoon intensifies.
During the visit to the Mood Bhatkal bypass area, locals informed the minister that land had already been earmarked for highway purposes and compensation had also been paid to landowners. However, they alleged that the highway authorities had neither taken possession of the land nor initiated the highway work in the area. Similar concerns were raised regarding the Koteshwar Road stretch, where residents feared possible landslide-like situations if rainwater flow was not properly managed.
At Noor Masjid and the KSRTC bus stand area, citizens pointed out that while large cross-drainage pipes were being installed beneath the road, there was still no visible outlet or continuation system for the flow of water. Residents warned that with the monsoon expected to arrive within days, several areas along the highway could witness severe flooding.
Taking note of the situation, Minister Mankal Vaidya directed highway officials to immediately create temporary water outlets using JCB machinery at vulnerable points where flooding was likely. He instructed authorities to ensure that rainwater is diverted towards nearby natural drains, streams and canals. The minister said the work should begin from Friday itself.
Former municipal councillor Qaiser Mohtesham also raised concerns over the preparedness of the municipal council. He said that although Rs 23 lakh had recently been sanctioned for drain-cleaning works in Bhatkal, the City Municipal Council currently had only eight workers assigned for the task. He questioned how such limited manpower could effectively carry out pre-monsoon cleaning operations across the town.
Among those present during the inspection were Tanzeem general secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. Nadvi, National Highway Horata Samithi president Rajesh Nayak, Bhatkal CMC Commissioner Babasaheb Mane, Altaf Kharuri, along with several social activists and local residents.