Mangaluru: Chairman of the Karnataka Legislature Committee on Public Undertakings T. Raghumurthy said the committee will submit an interim report to the State government in July recommending an allocation of ₹1,250 crore for upgrading and expanding the underground drainage (UGD) infrastructure within the limits of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
Speaking to reporters ahead of a committee meeting on Wednesday, Raghumurthy said the report would be tabled during the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature scheduled for July. The committee comprises both MLAs and MLCs and is reviewing the progress of infrastructure and public utility projects in the coastal region.
According to the chairman, officials informed the committee that the proposed investment is necessary to meet the future demand for underground drainage infrastructure in the city, considering the projected population growth in Mangaluru by 2046.
The proposed amount would be utilised for laying new underground drainage pipelines, upgrading the existing network, constructing wet wells and establishing additional sewage treatment plants across areas under the Mangaluru City Corporation jurisdiction.
City preparing for population growth
Officials stated that Mangaluru’s population is expected to touch around 8 lakh by 2046, making it essential to strengthen civic infrastructure well in advance. The proposed UGD expansion is aimed at improving sanitation facilities and ensuring proper sewage management for the growing urban population.
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik informed the committee that only around 65 per cent of the corporation area currently has underground drainage connectivity. Large parts of the city continue to depend on alternative waste disposal systems due to the absence of a comprehensive drainage network.
He said there is an urgent need to build nearly 180 kilometres of new underground drainage network in addition to upgrading around 185 kilometres of existing pipelines and related facilities.
The Commissioner added that improvements are also required in supporting infrastructure such as pumping stations, wet wells and sewage treatment plants to handle future demand efficiently.
Committee to submit interim report
Raghumurthy said the committee had reviewed the present condition of the underground drainage system and held discussions with officials regarding future infrastructure requirements. Based on these findings, an interim report recommending financial support for the project would be submitted to the government.
The committee believes the proposed investment is crucial for preventing urban sanitation issues, improving public health standards and ensuring sustainable urban development in Mangaluru over the coming decades.
Civic experts have often highlighted the need for improved sewage systems in rapidly expanding urban areas, particularly in coastal cities vulnerable to flooding and environmental pollution during the monsoon season.
Udupi water supply projects progressing
During the review meeting, the committee also assessed the progress of water supply projects being implemented in Udupi city by the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC).
Raghumurthy said officials informed the committee that three major water supply projects currently underway in Udupi are expected to be completed by January 2027.
The first project, costing ₹106.92 crore and funded through assistance from the Asian Development Bank, was initiated in 2018. Officials said the project has achieved 94 per cent physical progress and 87.45 per cent financial progress and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2026.
Another project taken up under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme in 2019, with an estimated cost of ₹116.54 crore, has recorded 91.64 per cent physical progress and 91.33 per cent financial progress. Authorities expect the work to be completed by December 2026.
The third project, costing ₹50.80 crore and funded by grants from the Karnataka government, was launched in 2021. According to officials, the project has achieved 93.04 per cent physical progress and 88.91 per cent financial progress and is scheduled for completion by January 2027.
Focus on urban infrastructure development
The committee meeting highlighted the growing emphasis on strengthening urban infrastructure in coastal Karnataka, particularly in rapidly expanding cities such as Mangaluru and Udupi.
Officials said improving underground drainage systems and water supply infrastructure remains essential to support population growth, maintain sanitation standards and ensure long-term urban sustainability.
MLCs Ivan D’Souza and Kishore Kumar Puttur, along with other members of the committee, were present during the review meeting.