UDUPI : Thousands of fish in the Kalmady lake near Udupi, have perished due to the irregular underground drainage system in the Udupi TMC limits.
Though thousands of fish in this lake had perished even last year due to the same problem, The TMC authorities have still not risen to the occasion and have allowed the problem to persist resulting in destruction of fish even this year too. Already the citizens are agitated over the apathetic attitude of the local administration.
The main reason for the problem is that the waste water from the mutts and residences that flow from Kalsanka joins this lake in greater quantity in the absence of proper underground drainage system. To couple to it is the unbearable stench prevailing in the area, also posing health hazards to residents of the vicinity.
The several complaints lodged with the authorities concerned in this regard has so far fallen on deaf ears. The recent heavy rains which the town witnessed has led to more in-flow of waste water into the lake creating much problems.
According to locals, the lake has a mini vented dam like structure made of wooden planks near Kalmady resulting in stagnation of water and also the huge wastes.
Though the water from this lake is not used for drinking purpose by the locals, the place has today turned out to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
According to Indira Shekhar, Councillor from Kalmady ward, the problem has cropped up due to the non-conduct of the KUDCEMP’s underground drainage works in the area.†The repeated discussions held in the Council in this regard has however been of no avail,†she regrets.
Already the fish of the breed “Ijji†in local dialect, have perished due to the slush in the lake. Locals say the fish costs Rs 80 per kg in the market. There are several fishermen in the vicinity who make a living by selling this fish. Today, the perishing of the fish in the lake has hit hard on the bellies of these fishermen too.
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