The discharge of sewage into a storm-water drain has made life difficult for the residents of Channangadi area at Kodavoor here.
A vented dam was constructed at Kodavoor in 1999 to prevent seawater from entering the area during high tide, into which water from the storm-water drain was allowed to join. Now, sewage is being let into the storm-water drain at Kalsank upstream, which is about 4 km away.
As a result of the sewage that has collected in the vented dam, dead fish can be seen floating in it. The stench in the area has become unbearable for the residents.
Emmy Picardo, a resident of the area, said, “Dead fish have been floating in the dam for four days. We have informed the Udupi City Municipal Council about the problem, but they have not yet responded.”
Margaret Pereira, resident, said the dirty water from upstream entered her garden when it rained in the past two days. “Many people have developed allergic rashes after walking in the dirty water. Earlier, I used to grow vegetables in my garden, which is no longer possible,” she said.
Priscilla Picardo, resident, said the authorities were not opening the sluice gates of the dam. The dirty water has been stagnant in the dam. “I fear for the children who play in the area. It is bound to affect their health,” she said.
Another resident, Asha Monthero, said the problem had worsened after the sewage from Kalsank was discharged into the storm-water drain. Santosh, resident, said there were nearly 300 houses in the area, which were now infested with mosquitoes. “This area has become a breeding ground for diseases,” he said.
Commissioner's reaction
Gokuldas Nayak, CMC Commissioner, said a wet well would be commissioned at Kalsank within a month. The sewage from Kalsank would then be pumped to the treatment plant at Nittoor. This would solve the problems.
