Bhatkal: The Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem, Bhatkal, on Saturday welcomed newly appointed Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Harshal Narayan Rao Boyer during his first visit to the town and raised key civic issues, including sewage pollution in the Sarabi river and safety concerns over ongoing National Highway works.
Boyer, an IAS officer, had assumed charge as Deputy Commissioner after arriving in Karwar on Wednesday. The delegation, led by Tanzeem president Inayatullah Shabandari, discussed issues affecting Bhatkal residents. Shabandari highlighted the discharge of sewage from the Ghausia Street pumping station into the historic Sarabi river. He said the pollution had affected several localities along the river, contaminated hundreds of wells and caused foul odour, creating serious hardships for residents and affecting access to clean water.
The delegation urged the Deputy Commissioner to visit the affected areas and take steps towards a permanent solution. Boyer assured them that he would seek details from the concerned officials and look into the matter.
The delegation also raised concerns over the ongoing National Highway construction in Bhatkal, warning that the road layout and lack of adequate connecting roads at certain points could increase accident risks.
It particularly highlighted the absence of a safe access route from the downtown area to Anjuman College and Sante Market across the four-lane highway. The delegation said two-wheeler riders and other road users frequently face risks while crossing the highway and urged the Deputy Commissioner to inspect the stretch.
It also called for an underpass connecting Qidwai Road to the railway station, a service road from Rangeen Katte to Tenganagundi Cross, adequate highway lighting and traffic signals at vulnerable locations.
The proposed flyover at Shamsuddin Circle was another key issue discussed. Boyer agreed that a flyover could address a major traffic problem at the junction and said he would take up the proposal with the concerned authorities.
Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. was also present at the meeting.
Separately, Shabandari, who chairs the organising committee of the state-level kabaddi tournament scheduled to be held in Bhatkal from November 27 to 29, invited the Deputy Commissioner and the SP to attend the event and deliver a message to the youth.
The delegation included Tanzeem vice-president Qamar Sada, Medical Iqbal, Bilal Qamri and other office-bearers.