Udupi: Improper drainage systems create nuisance, DC warns builders

Pics: Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)

Udupi, Jul 26: The residents of a few areas in Udupi, Brahmavar and Kundapur have complained about inefficient drainage systems in apartments owned by some of the builders.

The open drains result out of sewage being drained out without being treated by sewage treatment plant (STP) system from the building.

Rajesh, a resident has complained about several such buildings. Among them is Shreyas Apartments of Mahasathi Enterprises which occupies an area of 1 acre and 29 cents. The building consists of  two wings - A with 41 flats and B with 70 flats. Out of the 112 flats, 109 are occupied. For all the apartments there is a very small drain pit which causes an overflow.

Raviraj Shetty, panchayath president Shantharu said that the building is located adjacent to the Brahmavar - Hebri state highway, and there is no public drainage system in the panchayat because of which the waste water directly flows on to the road causing nuisance to the public.

Shetty said that DHO Ram Chandra Bairy visited all the flats around a fortnight ago and sent a report stating that the drainage water is polluting the environment. Added to this, the risk of diseases is high due to monsoons.

Deputy commissioner Dr M T Reju, acting on the complaint, inspected the building and issued a warning to make necessary arrangements for a proper drain within 45 days.

"There is a need to set up a functioning STP system; failure to do the same will result in disconnection of electricity for the entire building," he said.

He also visited apartments belonging to Laxmi Constructions owned by Shankar Poojary for the same reason.

Speaking to daijiworld, Dr Reju said, "I think not only these two, but many other builders too who are not following rules. Every builder must follow the government rules as stipulated by the state Pollution Control Board," he said.

"A few days back I visited many apartments in Kaup and Udupi and found that many are not following the STP system. It is not right to target one or two people alone. Every flat must have this system," he added.

On why the builders are not following this rule, he said, "The actual problem is that before the construction began on these buildings some years back, the local panchayat did not insist on STP system or any other rule. There was a lot of land then. But now things have changed and the region is developing, hence the gram panchayat should also insist on these rules. Also, the builders themselves as well as people who purchase the flats too should ensure installation of this system."

He said that onus of installing the system now lies on the people who reside in the flats.

He also spoke to building owners, one of whom said that the market value of a flat in his building is now Rs 15 lac, but years ago he had sold it for Rs 4 - Rs 5 lac, and for that rate he did not promise the buyers facilities like STP system.

"Whoever is staying in the flats now should install STP system and ensure that dirty water is not released into the normal drains without treatment. They should not pollute the environment," said the DC.

It is said that the builders are also undertaking new construction projects without the STP system. To this, the DC said, "I have warned the builders about this. If they do not install STP system in future projects, their licence will be cancelled and the projects scraped."