Udupi(DHNS): Sewage leaks from decades-old underground drainage (UGD) system, household sewage plastic and chemicals have polluted many ponds, wells and a rivulet-- Indrani Tirtha--which was once the lifeline of Udupi.

The existing UGD was designed for a population of less than 25,000. Today, the city’s population has exceeded 6 lakhs. As the city expands by leaps and bounds, little attention has been paid to upgrading the UGD network.

Anjali Kamath, who works in a regional bank, told DH that during monsoon manholes overflowing with sewage were a common sight.

Many apartments are still not connected to UGD in Udupi and Manipal. Thus, most of the city’s water bodies are polluted, shopowner Sudhir Bhat rues.

The sewage from hotels and houses, surrounding Krishna mutt, is discharged into the Kalsanka storm drain. Thus, water in open wells, located along the storm drain, has been polluted and unfit for consumption.

“Due to inefficient operation of sewage treatment plant near Karavali Junction and four wet wells, raw sewage is released directly into Indrani rivulet and manholes, said autorickshaw driver Achyut Devadiga. Indrani river flows through a distance of 10 km through Beedinagudde and Nitturu before joining the sea near Kalmady.

“Improper drainage system and sewage from Kalsanka storm drain have polluted Indrani rivulet,” said Kalpana Poojary, whose house is located near the river. “If water from the rivulet is used for bathing purposes, boils are formed on the skin,” Kalpana said.

Residents in Mathadabettu complained that if doors and windows of houses are kept open, they will have to face sleepless nights due to the foul odour and mosquitoes.

Vishwanath, a resident, recollected that residents had staged a protest urging the government to upgrade the UGD system.

Activists had dumped sewage waste in front of the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) to draw the attention of district administration. “Instead of resolving the issue, a case was filed against the protesters,” Vishwanath said.

A motorbike rally was organised as part of the ‘Save Indrani Rivulet’ campaign in 2019.

“Udupi will be freed of many problems if steps are taken to prevent the pollution of Indrani rivulet,” Udupi-based Human Rights Protection Foundation President Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag had said while inaugurating the rally. Yet, the CMC and elected representatives continue to give assurances without making any effort on finding a permanent solution, Devanand Shettigar, a resident, charged.