Bhatkal: The work to alleviate rainwater accumulation commenced on Friday in Bhatkal after Uttara Kannada district incharge Minister, Mankal Vaidya, lashed out at the IRB officials, Highway Authority, and Municipal officials and took them to task on Thursday."

The JCB provided by the IRB Company has started the construction of gutters at Ranginkatte. The Municipal Council has also initiated gutter construction in front of Taluk Panchayat, PLD Bank, and other locations with the assistance of JCBs to ensure smooth water flow.

It should be noted that Minister Mankal Vaidya questioned the IRB officials regarding their lack of action in preventing waterlogging on the National Highway, despite the Deputy Commissioner calling for a meeting three months prior to the rainy season to prepare for such situations.

Inayatullah Shabandri stated that the municipality also displayed negligence by failing to clean the drains in various areas, resulting in water accumulation on the roads and highways.

Public opinion reflects the belief that if the IRB had constructed gutters or ensured the proper flow of water before the rainy season, there would have been no issue of water accumulation on the highway, thus avoiding inconvenience to the people.

It is anticipated that with the ongoing drain construction, the issue of water accumulation on the National Highway will be resolved.