Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 10: The Gujjarakere pond has remained neglected ever since its inauguration several years ago. Elected representatives have often refrained from taking proactive measures to maintain or improve the project, leaving no one accountable for resolving the ongoing issues.

The deteriorating condition of Gujjarakere pond, particularly its maintenance and contamination, has raised serious concerns. Locals, alongside the Gujjarakere Theertha Samrakshana Vedike, led by Nemu Kottary, have consistently voiced their grievances.

The vedike has routinely sent water samples from the pond for testing, with results confirming contamination. Despite numerous complaints, the elected representatives have displayed indifference, acting as mere spectators.

Although authorities like Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) have initiated projects to rejuvenate ponds in Mangaluru, such efforts have often proved short-lived. Once rejuvenation work is completed, the ponds are neglected due to the lack of a permanent solution to address the core issues.

The problem is not unique to Gujjarakere. Other ponds in the area, such as those in Kavoor, Bairady at Padil, and Moily at Morgansgate, have faced similar neglect.

The issue was also highlighted during the pre-budget meeting at MCC, chaired by Mayor Manoj Kumar. Members of the public questioned the authorities’ inability to maintain parks and ponds after their construction.

Secretary of the Gujjarakere Theertha Samrakshana Vedike, Nemu Kottary, remarked, "I have been continuously raising my voice against the contamination of Gujjarakere pond. We have tested the water multiple times, and the results consistently show a high level of bacteria, making the water unsafe for direct consumption."