Stany Bela

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 11: Mangaluru finally witnessed rainfall a week later than predicted. Heavy rain is expected in the coming days. Last year, the city witnessed heavy showers towards the end of May. This unleashed havoc on an unprepared city created artificial floods. The district administration and various government bodies who were on their toes last year, assured to evaluate the situation in advance this year and be well prepared to avert any mishap.

Team Daijiworld visited various corners of the city for a reality check to understand if Mangaluru is prepared for monsoons. Prima facie, the team understood that nothing special has been executed by the administration and no decisions taken post last year’s flood have been implemented.

Unscientific drainage system was the main reason for the artificial flood last year and district administration and municipal corporation faced severe backlash. Back to back meetings were held with officials and it was decided that the drainages should be reconstructed to allow rain water to flow through the ‘Raja Kaluves’ which connect the river. Months after the civic authorities started the drainage works in the city. But in some parts the work is still in progress.

Many who have monitored the renovation and repair of drainage works are of the opinion that the work is shoddy and not executed properly. There are no connection holes to drainage, especially in the areas such as Bejai, KSRTC and Lalbagh. Because of this, there is hundred percent chance that water logging will take place and water will enter the shops and houses in these areas.

In places such as Bejai Church Road, opposite Tata Motors, city bus stand, opposite Pabba’s Ice Cream and many other areas, one can see open holes in footpaths and this will allow drainage water flow on roads, whenever it rains heavily. The drainages in Kankanady, Falnir and Bendoorwell area are not cleaned and are covered with silt and plastic.

Pointing out at the failure of corporation and district administration, Arjuna, city based RTI activist says, “The unscientific construction is the main reason for artificial floods in city which we experienced last year. Apart from that, no one follows the guidelines which are issued by district administration for construction works inside the city. The officials always close their eyes when issuing license for a building and final completion certificate. If it rains continuously for fifteen minutes, water will block main spots like Ambedkar Circle (Jyothi) Ballalbagh, Bejai, Kadri, and Lower Bendur. The construction sites in these area and incomplete PWD works are a cause of concern.”

Speaking about the preparations undertaken pre-monsoon, MLA Vedavyas Kamath said, “Last year we faced challenges in the first week of rains. But this time we have already executed many plans to avoid such conditions. In many areas we have completed the work of cleaning the drainages and some parts it is in the final stage. It is true that City Corporation was lagging a bit in planning but now everything is under control. Administration is well equipped to avoid dangerous situations.”

Ramprasad who is running a hotel in city says, “Identifying weak trees and compound walls that are vulnerable to rain has not yet been done. Construction of small bunds around weak trees to strengthen them has also not been materialized. Removing silt in minor drains has also not been done properly. So there are chances to witness flood which we saw last year. It is our humble request to the administration to open a control room before the rains begin, to avoid casualties and panic situations.”