Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 11: Questions have been raised over the quality and effectiveness of the recently completed underground drainage works on the Mission Hospital–Chittpadi Road after sewage chambers along the stretch began overflowing within weeks of the project's completion.

The underground drainage system on the busy road connecting the Mission Hospital area to Chittpadi in Bailoor Ward of Udupi city was recently reconstructed. The repair and construction work reportedly took more than two months to complete, and new chambers were installed as part of the project.

However, less than a month after the new system became operational, sewage water has already started overflowing from multiple drainage chambers, causing a foul odour and inconvenience to the public. Sewage water is seen overflowing daily from chambers located along the roadside. Civic workers are reportedly deployed every morning to clear the blocked sewage and clean the area. Despite these efforts, the problem reappears the following day, leaving residents frustrated.

When the new sewage line was first commissioned, only one manhole was overflowing. Later, two manholes started overflowing, and now sewage is emerging from three different chambers. The overflow from another chamber in the same area was recently attended to and temporarily repaired. However, shortly afterwards, a different chamber began overflowing, indicating that the issue may be affecting the drainage network as a whole rather than a single location.

The overflowing wastewater spreads around the chambers and emits a strong foul smell, creating an unpleasant environment for residents, pedestrians, and motorists using the road. The affected stretch serves as an important link for several residential neighbourhoods and experiences regular vehicular movement throughout the day.

The recurring problem becomes even more serious during the monsoon season. During heavy rainfall, the overflowing sewage mixes with rainwater flowing along the road, increasing the risk of contamination. The stagnant sewage water could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.

The recurring overflow has raised concerns about whether the recently executed drainage works were properly planned and implemented. Authorities should identify the root cause and implement a permanent solution instead of carrying out temporary repairs every few days.

The Udupi City Municipal Council and concerned officials must take immediate corrective measures and ensure that the newly constructed sewage infrastructure functions effectively, especially ahead of the peak monsoon period.

With sewage chambers overflowing barely weeks after the completion of the project, the situation has once again highlighted concerns regarding the quality of civic infrastructure works and the need for long-term, sustainable solutions to urban drainage issues.