Mangaluru: Localities near MCC HQ battling sewage, floods despite decades of appeals

Mangaluru: Barely a mile from Mangaluru city corporation (MCC) headquarters, residents of Malemar, Nekkila and Kottara Chowki say basic civic issues remain unresolved despite a decade of appeals.Every monsoon, sewage allegedly flowing through stormwater drains floods homes and streets in the low-lying areas. Residents say the recurring problem disrupts daily life, damages property and poses health risks.After a recent protest under Janahita Rakshana Samithi (JRS), residents plan to intensify their campaign before the next monsoon. JRS convenor Kumar Malemar said memorandums were submitted to the district administration, MCC and people's representatives before the protest."Residents have been visiting the offices of the MCC commissioner and the deputy commissioner and submitting memorandums since 2016. Since the various issues that thousands of residents in the area are facing have not yet been resolved, we decided to meet the MP of Dakshina Kannada, Capt Brijesh Chowta. We will request the MP to chair a special meeting with the officials to discuss our problems," he said.Residents list about a dozen demands, with the top priority being the construction of the Malemar Chowki service road by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). They also want sewage flow in the stormwater drain stopped and encroachments on drains cleared.Kumar said the three localities flood every rainy season. "Many residents find it difficult when sewage from the stormwater drain enters their houses. Residents already held a protest and are now awaiting a positive response from the authorities concerned," he said, recalling the May 2018 flood that destroyed valuables, including vehicles.Activist Suresh Udupa said residents also lack basic facilities: Kottara Chowki has no bus bay, and the busy junction lacks signal lights and a zebra crossing.