Mangaluru: Calling the city’s underground drainage (UGD) network its biggest civic challenge, MLC Ivan D’Souza has urged the Karnataka government to undertake a comprehensive redevelopment of the ageing system. He said the Karnataka Legislature’s Committee on Public Undertakings has recommended an allocation of ₹1,250 crore for the project following its recent inspection of the city.

Committee recommends comprehensive UGD redevelopment

Addressing mediapersons on Saturday, D’Souza said the committee had submitted its 139th Report (2025-26) to the state government after reviewing observations of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and conducting field inspections.

According to him, the report is expected to be discussed during the upcoming session of the Karnataka Legislature.

He said the committee has recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s underground drainage system instead of continuing with temporary repairs, which have failed to address recurring civic issues despite Mangaluru’s rapid urban growth.

Focus on treated water reuse and DPR

D’Souza said the committee has recommended prioritising underground drainage works, ensuring complete reuse of treated wastewater and addressing shortcomings that have resulted in wasteful expenditure.

He added that the committee has also called for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to facilitate administrative approvals, funding and timely implementation of the project.

According to D’Souza, he met Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah and submitted the committee’s report while urging the state government to initiate the project at the earliest.

He said the Urban Development Department has already written to the government seeking the appointment of a consultant to prepare the DPR. He also expressed his intention to invite the minister to the city for discussions on the proposed project.

Calls for bipartisan support

D’Souza said the ambitious project would require financial assistance from both the Karnataka government and the Centre. He appealed to Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly to work together to secure funding rather than politicising the issue.

He criticised the BJP for blaming the Congress-led Mangaluru City Corporation whenever problems related to the underground drainage system surface.

The MLC also questioned what Mangaluru City South MLA Vedavyas Kamath had done to secure funds for a comprehensive UGD project.

Raises concerns over electoral roll revision

Apart from civic issues, D’Souza also expressed concern over the pace of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Dakshina Kannada.

He urged the Election Commission to strengthen the exercise, alleging that it had created considerable confusion among the public. According to him, nearly 80 per cent of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were not effectively carrying out the exercise despite undergoing training.

He sought additional practical training for BLOs and the deployment of experts to assist them in filling enumeration forms and guiding voters through the process.

Seeks greater assistance for voters

D’Souza claimed that several voters were yet to receive enumeration forms despite officials stating that the distribution had been completed.

He also raised concerns over the requirement to provide details from the 2002 electoral rolls, stating that the process could prove difficult for elderly citizens, less educated voters and people living in rural and tribal areas. He urged Booth Level Officers to personally assist such voters in completing the forms.

He further sought English versions of the forms and alleged that some BLOs were insisting that forms be completed within a day. According to him, officials should make at least three visits to every household to ensure all eligible voters are covered.

D’Souza also sought clarity regarding voter photographs, claiming that the photo-capturing application had not been effectively implemented in the district. He appealed to election officials to ensure impartial enrolment of eligible voters, update records relating to deaths and migration, strengthen manpower and complete the revision exercise within the stipulated timeframe.