Bhatkal: Town Municipal Councillors harshly criticized Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Water Project Board Karwar, Sadanand Bandekar, and other engineers for their handling of the Underground Drainage (UGD) system at a meeting chaired by Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina, who is also the Municipal Administrative Officer, at the TMC meeting hall.

The councillors highlighted severe issues with the UGD works, including contamination of over 500 drinking water wells and pollution of the Sarabi River, which have created health hazards and unpleasant conditions in Ghausia Street and surrounding areas.

Despite several meetings addressing these concerns, the councillors accused the engineers of inaction and disregarding previous directives. They also criticized the AEE for ignoring instructions from Uttara Kannada District In-Charge Minister Mankal Vaidya, who had presided over a similar meeting around nine months ago. The councillors warned that if the UGD issues are not resolved promptly, the NGOs that elected them might consider striking.

The meeting saw heated debates regarding the discharge of sewage into the Sarabi River and the deteriorating conditions at the Ghausia Street pumping station. Dr. Naina instructed Bandekar to submit a maintenance report within seven days and ordered Municipal Assistant Engineer Arvind to prepare a report on the decantation of the Ghausia Street pumping station. AEE Ajay Prabhu was directed to inspect at least 75% of the town's manholes with concerned councillors and submit a report within 15 days.

The situation escalated when it was revealed that, despite numerous complaints, payments had been made to contractors for sub-standard work. Additionally, although a Rs. 180 crore UGD project is underway, there is no UGD or Water Board office in Bhatkal, and engineers are rarely present.

Dr. Naina mandated that AEE Ajay Prabhu be present in Bhatkal for two days each week and remain at the TMC office during office hours.

Councillor Fayyaz Mulla criticized Bandekar for infrequent visits and lack of action, threatening a strike if the issues are not addressed. Standing Committee Chairman Qaiser Mohtisham noted that while only a few councillors are currently vocal about the UGD issues, the poor quality of the work is so severe that it will likely prompt all councillors to speak out. He also demanded that no further payments be made to contractors if the work is sub-standard.

Councillor Altaf Kharuri warned that current complaints about 500 spoiled wells might soon escalate to over 5,000 if the UGD issues persist. Ex-TMC President Parvez Qasimji echoed these concerns, stating that the poor UGD work is undermining the town's development and eroding trust with the NGOs.

Other councillors, including SM Abdul Azeem, Imshad Mukhtasar, Abdul Rauf Naite, and Krishnanand Pai, participated in the heated debate. TMC Chief Officer Neelkanth Mesta was also present during the discussions.