Udupi, 14 October

Residents of a Sagri village in Udupi district have raised concerns over the lack of an underground drainage (UGD) system in several areas, saying that sewage from Manipal and other urban areas flows into their villages, contaminating wells, creating mosquito breeding grounds and increasing the risk of diseases such as dengue.

The village is located between Udupi and Manipal. Residents say that the wastewater is being discharged without proper treatment. 

“It causes health issues for the villagers, such as dengue fever,” local resident Sampath told ANI, urging authorities to resolve the issue.  

He said Sagri's lower elevation caused wastewater from the surrounding urban areas to flow directly into the village. “They don't clear the drainage upstream; they just discharge it directly," he said. “We don't have underground drainage in our village yet. There is an underground drainage line on the main road nearby that could be connected to our area, but for some reason, they haven't made that connection.”

Another local resident, Umesh Nayak, alleged that the problem was limited to Sagri alone. 

He said that at least 25 to 30 people got dengue during the monsoon. Nayak also expressed concern over the possible contamination of groundwater, saying that wastewater was seeping into wells used by residents.

Questioning the lack of adequate infrastructure despite Udupi's prominence as a centre for temples and educational institutions, Nayak said development had not been accompanied by comprehensive planning.

“They are granting building permissions, but they aren't doing so based on a future-oriented plan. When a city develops, there are certain requirements—like setbacks and proper drainage systems—that must be addressed. Permissions shouldn't be granted without ensuring these are in place,” he said.

Meanwhile, Udupi City Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi said that 16 of the 35 wards under the civic body's jurisdiction currently have underground drainage connectivity, while the remaining 19 wards, including the Manipal region, do not.

“Since this area has a hilly terrain, pumping wastewater is difficult, which is why drainage work has not been carried out here so far," Hangaragi said.

He said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore had been prepared through the Water Board for the proposed drainage infrastructure.

“Under this proposal, eight wet wells and one Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) have already been proposed. After identifying those locations, the files regarding land acquisition will be moved forward,” he said.