Mangaluru: Storm drain encroached upon, Bunder area flooded

MANGALURU: Traders in Bunder, the busy wholesale area in the city, suffered losses to the tune of lakhs of rupees because of flooding caused by encroachment of a rajakaluve in the area.
Several godowns in the area are waterlogged in the recent rain and stocks of rice, cereals, chillis and other items are damaged.
Traders and workers have warned that they will protest if the encroachment of the rajakaluve is not cleared.
The Bunder Shramikara Sangha general secretary, BK Imthiyaz, said the flood water gushed inside six godowns at least twice in the past two months.
“A rajakaluve (stormwater drain) passing near the Old Port wholesale market in Bunder has been encroached upon and buildings of the Port department have come up. The stormwater drain, which empties into the sea, has been diverted due to the encroachment. As a result, the water has entered the godowns of wholesale traders,” he said.
In addition to financial loss, coolies, who load and unload goods in Bunder, have been facing the threat of health hazards too.
With clogged drains, the possibility of the spread of dengue, malaria and other diseases has also increased, he said, adding that many have already suffered from these diseases.
“We have brought the issue to the notice of the port department and Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath. The MLA has visited the area and directed the department to take necessary steps to clear the encroachment. However, no action has been taken yet. We have decided to hold a protest in front of the port department if our demand is not fulfilled,” Imthiyaz said.
Mayor Jayanand Anchan said that the issue will be discussed with the people of the locality soon.
“I will study the problems of the traders in Bunder. Necessary steps will be taken to solve the issue after holding a discussion with corporators and officials soon,” the new mayor said.