MANGALURU: District minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday said that he has directed the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to prepare a detailed estimate for upgrading the ageing sewage treatment plant (STP) at Munchoor, following rising concerns over the pollution of the Nandini River. The minister was speaking after a review meeting held to address complaints of untreated wastewater being discharged into the river.
Munchoor STP to undergo major overhaul
According to the minister, the current STP is outdated and no longer meets modern efficiency standards. He stated that once the estimate is prepared, he will take up the matter with the urban development minister to secure funds for the project.
The decision to install a new generator for the STP was also finalised. A tender for the purchase of the generator will be floated soon, with availability expected by February. Until then, MCC officials have been instructed to hire a generator to ensure uninterrupted operations and prevent untreated water from flowing into the Nandini River.
Steps to tackle river sludge accumulation
During the inspection, officials highlighted the sludge build-up in the river. The minister instructed the department to prepare an estimate for dredging the water body to remove accumulated waste and improve water quality. He emphasised that preventing pollution and restoring the river’s ecosystem must be treated as a priority.
Road repair works worth ₹160 crore to begin soon
Responding to queries on damaged roads across Mangaluru, the minister informed reporters that MCC has floated a tender worth ₹160 crore for urgent road repairs and other emergency civic works. He assured that the projects would commence shortly.
Rao also directed officials to ensure that the district does not face water shortages in the coming months. In the event of any supply-related crisis, the MCC has been instructed to take swift action to support affected localities.
Minister’s office at Praja Soudha opens to public
The minister inaugurated his district office at Praja Soudha (DC office), enabling the public to directly submit grievances and follow up on civic issues. He urged residents to utilise the facility to raise concerns about infrastructure, water supply, and environmental issues.
Karavali Utsav preparations underway
Speaking about the annual Karavali Utsav, the minister said the cultural festival will be organised from December 20 to January 4. A preparatory meeting has already been held, where officials were instructed to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the event.
This year’s utsav will feature cultural performances, painting events, adventure sports, and nature-related programmes. Popular attractions such as the beach utsav, kite festival and surfing events will also be part of the celebrations, aiming to draw visitors from across the region.
A step towards sustainable civic management
The directives issued by the district minister reflect an increased focus on environmental protection, particularly safeguarding the Nandini River from contamination. Upgrading the Munchoor STP and ensuring uninterrupted operations are expected to significantly reduce pollution levels. The upcoming civic works and festival preparations further indicate that the administration is gearing up for a more structured and responsive approach to public needs.