Mangaluru: Barely a mile from the city corporation headquarters, residents of Malemar, Nekkila and Kottara Chowki have alleged that basic civic problems remain unresolved despite repeated appeals over nearly a decade. Locals say sewage mixing with stormwater drains, recurring monsoon flooding, traffic risks and lack of road infrastructure continue to disrupt daily life. After a recent protest led by a citizens’ group, residents have warned that they will intensify their campaign before the next monsoon season if authorities fail to act.
Monsoon flooding and sewage overflow concerns
Residents from the three localities say that during every monsoon, sewage allegedly flows through stormwater drains and enters low-lying residential areas, flooding houses and streets. They claim the situation leads to property damage, foul odour and serious health risks, particularly for children and elderly people.
According to community members, the flooding is not an isolated occurrence but a recurring seasonal problem. They say household items, vehicles and electrical fittings have been damaged multiple times over the years due to contaminated floodwater entering homes.
Locals add that temporary desilting measures have not provided a lasting solution and that structural corrections to the drainage network are needed.
Protests led by citizens’ forum
The recent protest was organised by Janahita Rakshana Samithi (JRS), a local citizens’ collective. The group said it has been raising the matter with authorities through memorandums and meetings since 2016.
JRS convenor Kumar Malemar stated that representations have been submitted to the district administration, the city corporation and elected representatives on multiple occasions. However, residents feel that their grievances have not received adequate administrative response.
He said thousands of people in the affected pockets continue to face drainage overflow, road access problems and traffic safety gaps without time-bound solutions.
Memorandums submitted since 2016
Residents say they have repeatedly visited the offices of the city corporation commissioner and the deputy commissioner to submit written complaints and supporting documents. They allege that although assurances were given at various times, execution has been delayed.
The group now plans to approach Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta and request him to convene a special joint meeting with senior officials from all concerned departments.
According to organisers, the proposed meeting would aim to bring road, drainage and traffic authorities onto a single platform and fix responsibility and timelines.
Key demand: service road and drain clearance
Among roughly a dozen demands listed by residents, the top priority is construction of the Malemar Chowki service road by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Locals say the absence of a proper service road has led to unsafe movement and congestion along the highway-side stretch.
They also want sewage flow into stormwater drains to be stopped through proper pipeline separation and enforcement. Clearing of alleged encroachments over existing drains is another major demand, as residents say blocked channels worsen flooding.
Community representatives argue that unless the drains are widened, cleared and protected from illegal occupation, seasonal flooding will continue regardless of minor repairs.
Traffic and pedestrian safety gaps flagged
Activists have also highlighted traffic safety concerns at the busy Kottara Chowki junction. Social worker Suresh Udupa said the area lacks a designated bus bay, forcing buses to halt on the carriageway and increasing accident risk.
He added that the junction does not have functional signal lights or a zebra crossing, making it difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to cross, especially during peak hours.
Residents say installation of signals, pedestrian markings and regulated bus stopping points should be treated as urgent safety measures rather than long-pending proposals.
Residents warn of intensified agitation
Community leaders recalled a major flood episode in May 2018 that allegedly destroyed valuables, including vehicles and household equipment. They warn that similar or worse damage could recur if corrective work is not completed before the coming monsoon.
JRS members said they are currently waiting for a formal response from authorities following the latest protest. If no concrete action plan emerges, they plan to escalate their agitation through larger demonstrations and coordinated representations.
Residents maintain that with coordinated inter-departmental action, the long-pending civic and safety issues can be resolved, but say administrative urgency is essential.