Bhatkal: Following a report published in 'SahilOnline' on Thursday highlighting the continuous discharge of sewage from Ghausia Street into the Sarabi River and the problems faced by residents in the surrounding area, Assistant Executive Engineer Sadanand from Karwar visited the affected locality on Saturday to assess the situation. Bhatkal City Municipal Council (CMC) Commissioner Baba Saheb Mane and other municipal staff accompanied him.
During the inspection, officials examined why sewage continues to reach the Sarabi River despite being pumped from Ghausia Street towards the Venkatapur River. They also explored possible measures to prevent the discharge, including whether installing a higher-capacity motor could help resolve the problem.
Local residents urged officials to immediately stop the discharge of sewage into the river through a pipeline near the historic 'Dhanda Kato' structure. They said the foul smell had made life difficult for residents and expressed concern that the unhygienic conditions could lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
CMC Commissioner Baba Saheb Mane said the situation, residents' grievances and their demands were being brought to the attention of senior officials in Karwar, including the Assistant Deputy Commissioner. He said he had also spoken to officials of the concerned department over the phone to discuss the issue and possible solutions.
Mane further said a team from the concerned department would visit Bhatkal on Wednesday to inspect the affected area, examine possible solutions and submit a report.
Former councillor Fayyaz Mulla was also present during the inspection, along with Zulfiqar, Zufair and other local youths.