Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is planning to seek ₹1,200 crore from the Government of Karnataka in the forthcoming State Budget to repair ageing underground drainage (UGD) lines, lay new sewer lines and bridge missing links in the existing network, Deputy Commissioner and MCC administrator H.V. Darshan said on December 18.

Mr. Darshan made the announcement during a phone-in programme held at the MCC headquarters, responding to multiple complaints from residents about untreated sewage being released into stormwater drains across different parts of the city.

Complaints of untreated sewage across localities

Several residents used the phone-in programme to flag the growing problem of untreated sewage flowing through open drains, causing health hazards and environmental concerns.

Savitri Devi, a resident of Yekkur, and Usha Nayak from Naguri said large quantities of untreated sewage water were flowing in drains near their homes. They complained of a persistent nauseating smell, making it difficult for residents to live in nearby houses.

“The foul smell is unbearable, especially during evenings. Mosquitoes breed in the stagnant sewage water, and children and elderly people are the worst affected,” the residents said.

A resident of Bikarnakatte pointed out that a similar situation existed in their area due to a residential apartment complex allegedly releasing untreated sewage into the drain. Mohammed Saleem from Mahakalipadpu accused three apartment complexes in his locality of discharging untreated wastewater into stormwater drains, worsening sanitation conditions.

Reasons behind untreated sewage discharge

Explaining the root causes of the problem, DC Darshan said untreated sewage entering stormwater drains was a long-standing issue in the city and had multiple contributing factors.

Among the reasons cited were apartment buildings constructed along narrow roads by projecting them as proposed 18-metre-wide roads at the time of approval. Such developments, he said, later face difficulties in providing proper sewer connectivity.

He also pointed out that several apartment complexes either do not have their own sewage treatment plants (STPs) or have STPs that are old and no longer functional.

“In some cases, apartments do not have adequate space to install a new STP. In other cases, individual houses are not connected to the underground drainage network at all,” Mr. Darshan said.

As a result, untreated sewage is often diverted into stormwater drains, leading to pollution, foul odour and public health risks.

Issue raised with district in-charge minister

The deputy commissioner said the issue of untreated sewage being released into drains had already been brought to the attention of district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

“The problem has been discussed at the district level, and the need for a comprehensive solution has been acknowledged,” he said.

He added that piecemeal solutions would not be sufficient and that a city-wide approach was necessary to address the problem in a sustainable manner.

Plan to connect all households to UGD network

As part of the proposed plan, the MCC aims to connect all households in Mangaluru to the underground drainage network. This includes both individual houses and apartment complexes that are currently outside the UGD system.

“We will seek about ₹1,200 crore in the forthcoming State Budget for connecting households to the UGD network. This amount will also cover the repair of old UGD lines and the filling of missing links in the network,” Mr. Darshan said.

He noted that several UGD lines in the city are decades old and require urgent repair or replacement to prevent leaks and blockages. In some areas, incomplete or missing sewer links force residents and builders to resort to illegal discharge into stormwater drains.

Repair of old lines and missing links

Officials said the proposed funding would be used not only for new connections but also for strengthening the existing infrastructure. Old UGD lines that are damaged or undersized would be repaired or replaced to handle current sewage loads.

Missing links in the network, particularly in newly developed or peripheral areas of the city, would be filled to ensure seamless flow of sewage to treatment facilities.

“The goal is to ensure that no household has an excuse to let untreated sewage into drains due to lack of infrastructure,” an MCC official said.

Health and environmental concerns highlighted

Residents and officials alike stressed that untreated sewage in open drains poses serious health and environmental risks. Apart from foul odour and mosquito breeding, sewage contamination can affect groundwater and nearby water bodies.

Doctors have repeatedly warned that stagnant sewage water can lead to an increase in vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, apart from skin infections and respiratory problems.

Environmental experts have also cautioned that sewage entering stormwater drains ultimately finds its way into rivers and the sea, affecting aquatic life and coastal ecosystems.

Enforcement and compliance to be strengthened

Mr. Darshan said that along with infrastructure development, enforcement would also be strengthened. Apartments and households found illegally discharging untreated sewage into drains would face action under existing municipal and environmental laws.

He urged residents to cooperate with MCC officials and report violations, while assuring that genuine cases of lack of infrastructure would be addressed through the proposed UGD expansion.

Conclusion

The MCC’s proposal to seek ₹1,200 crore for strengthening the underground drainage network marks a major step towards addressing the chronic problem of untreated sewage in Mangaluru. If approved in the State Budget, the project is expected to significantly improve sanitation, public health and environmental quality in the city. However, officials emphasised that success would depend not only on funding but also on strict enforcement and responsible behaviour by residents and builders alike.