Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Sep 28: The National Urban Renewal Mission (NURM) bus stand built by spending a fortune in the town by NURM Mangaluru division stands out as a blot to the reputation of Udupi as a clean city.

The look of this bus stand has been spoiled by migrant workers and the destitute who gather here, chew gutkha and spit it out at their will. The bus stand has heaps of solid waste. The entire area is enveloped in a foul smell. At night, people are afraid of passing through this spot.

This bus stand appears to be more useful for the homeless and drunkards. People can be seen fighting after getting drunk. The area around the bus stand has turned into a spot for open defecation. Workers without masks gather here without following COVID rules like social distance. The locals want the local administration to do something as there is a fear of coronavirus spreading.

This bus stand was built by spending Rs 4 crore during the end of last year. It has not been inaugurated so far because of lockdown. If a watchman is not posted here soon, in the coming days, it might turn into a den for immoral activities. KSRTC officials should take interest in this building and take proper steps to maintain it, the people opine.

KSRTC Udupi depot manager Uday Shetty said that the bus stand was cleaned up several times, and the police were requested to regulate workers and homeless people who use the bus stand. He said that people have been posted to keep an eye on the bus stand but managing the situation has become a challenging job.