Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Feb 27: The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Nittoor came under severe criticism from Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B Veerappa during an inspection conducted on the morning of Friday February 27, following complaints of foul odour and inadequate treatment of wastewater despite a monthly maintenance expenditure of approximately Rs 3 lac.
During the inspection, officials informed the Upalokayukta that sewage undergoes six stages of treatment before being discharged. However, Justice Veerappa observed black-coloured water flowing out of the plant, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the treatment process. Terming the situation grave, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with the plant’s functioning.
Holding officials accountable, Justice Veerappa directed the authorities to register a negligence case against Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) officer Keerthi Kumar for alleged dereliction of duty.
The STP was established in 2010 through the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC). A proposal to upgrade the facility at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore has already received sanction. However, despite the approval of funds, the upgradation work has not yet commenced. Municipal officials, meanwhile, stated that preliminary works have begun. The contradictory statements and lack of coordination among officials further irked the Upalokayukta.
Expressing concern that inadequately treated water is being discharged into the sea, Justice Veerappa remarked, “You are indirectly feeding poison to the public.” He stated that although he had inspected STPs in around 18 districts, he had not encountered such poor condition elsewhere.
During his visit towards Malpe, he also examined the plight of residents affected by pollution in the Indrani river. A local resident, Indira, said, “For several years, we have not been able to use well water. Earlier, we even used it for bathing. Now the water is filled with chemicals, and even fish cannot survive.” She further stated that many residents are suffering from asthma and respiratory problems due to the persistent foul smell. “We are surviving because CMC supplies drinking water through pipelines. In the evenings, the stench becomes unbearable, forcing us to shut doors and windows,” she said.
Justice Veerappa warned that such negligence would not be tolerated. The Upalokayukta’s inspection is continuing.