Newskarnataka – Mangalore

Mangalore: The Karmbikere pond at Jeppinamogaru is in a terrible state for the past few months. The concern of the locals was filed in a written complaint with the MCC on March 7, but of no avail.

On Wednesday May 7, City Corporation Commissioner Ajith Kumar Hegde visited the spot, after a hype created by the residents fearing that the polluted water may lead to health issues in the locality.

 The drain water channelized to the pond through pipes is known to be the central reason for the contamination. The fresh water which is home to many aquatic bodies is now contaminated and one can notice a heap of dead fish.

Reportedly the corporation spent around Rs 25 lakh to revive the pond, but an internal fight between MLA of Mangalore south J R Lobo and MCC commissioner Ajith Kumar Hegde is learnt to be the reason behind the neglect of the pond.

The water which enters the pond is from the houses located in the high-lying areas. The pond has one exit and that is reserved for letting out excess water during the rainy season.

Voicing his concern, MLA J R Lobo blamed it on the Commissioner, stating that he has been lenient and has not taken any action. The corporator of the ward Surendra also passed the blame on the MCC.

 On the other hand MCC Commissioner Ajith Kumar Hegde clarified that he would instruct the environment engineer of health department to visit and study the situation.

 The Commissioner, the environment engineer and health officer and the other MCC officials accordingly visited the spot. After inspecting the pond, the Commissioner told the  media that the waste water entering the pond will be blocked at first. The water would then be emptied, he informed adding further steps will be taken very soon.