The entire sewage collected within the CMC limits have been accumulated in the river Indrani. The river passes through Manipal, Kalsanka, Kodavur and culminates in Kalmadi. A vented dam was constructed near Kalmadi to prevent sea water from entering the area.
Now the sewage is released into drainage near Kalsanka upstream. The drainage works near Kalsanka is being blocked owing to road widening process. In addition to this haphazard, three wet wells in Udupi are under repair. Three more wet wells are being constructed and as a result the sewage has not been recycled. The recycling plant in Nittur is not in working condition. The entire abnormalities have turned out to be a mess causing health hazards to the people residing in the surrounding areas of river Indrani, that has been flooded with the sewage of the whole city. The affected area has its jurisdiction under five councillors. There are nearly hundred houses in the area.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, CMC Vice President Indira Shekar said “measures have been taken to clean the sewage. The drainage works near Kalsanka bypass are under construction. Once the works get over, everything will be fine. One of the sluice gates of the vented dam has been cleared to facilitate the free movement of the contaminated water,” she added. The people in the area have been living with the foul smell along with filth floating in the river. They are scared of skin diseases. Besides the area has been infested with mosquitoes. The wells in the region are under the threat of contamination. When contacted, CMC Commissioner Gokuldass Nayak said a wet well will be set up at Kalsanka within a couple of weeks and the dirt from Kalsanka will be pumped into Nittur recycling plant, he added.