Mangaluru Residents and MLA Report Contaminated Water; MCC Denies Allegations

Residents of Bejai and Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath have alleged that contaminated water is being supplied to Bejai New Road and other parts of the city. In a letter to Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Ravichandra Naik, members of the Resotica Apartment Owners Association stated that underground drainage repair work recently carried out in the area led to a deterioration in piped drinking water quality. Laboratory tests on water samples confirmed that the water was not potable.

The association urged Commissioner Naik to conduct an immediate inspection to identify the source of contamination and take corrective measures. They also called for action against those responsible if deficiencies in the drainage repair work were found.

In a separate statement, MLA Kamath claimed that residents of Battagudde, Kadri, and Chilimbi have also been receiving contaminated water for several days, causing health issues. He said water samples tested at the Bejai Urban Primary Health Centre and Mangalore Biotech Laboratory, Pumpwell, were found unfit for drinking. The MLA criticized the State government and MCC officials for their alleged callous attitude towards complaints, especially in the absence of elected councillors.

Responding to the allegations, Commissioner Naik stated that all wards are being supplied with potable drinking water, with samples checked regularly to ensure quality. He acknowledged complaints from Bejai New Road and Battagudde, and said that samples from Noodu Lane in Bejai and Fifth Cross Road in Battagudde were tested, contamination sources were plugged, and potable water was restored. He urged residents with complaints to call the MCC helpline at 0824-2220303.

MLC Ivan D’Souza, who visited the MCC water treatment plant in Bendoor, requested Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan, acting as MCC Administrator, to form a committee to investigate the contamination in Bejai and Battagudde.