A Breath of Hope for Khandige Lake: Lokayukta Steps In Amidst Rising Pollution

For years, the residents of Bajal-Khandige in Mangaluru have watched, heartbroken and frankly, quite disgusted, as their beloved Khandige Lake slowly transformed from a vibrant freshwater body into a foul-smelling, disease-breeding cesspool. But now, it seems a significant light has been shone on their plight, with Upa Lokayukta K.N. Phanindra himself stepping in to address the escalating environmental disaster. His recent visit, on a brisk October day, wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it was a clear signal that the long-ignored complaints of the local community are finally being heard at a higher level.

During his on-site inspection, the Upa Lokayukta heard firsthand accounts from the Bajal-Khandige Nagarikara Horata Samiti, a dedicated group of citizens who have, tirelessly it must be said, championed the lake's cause. Their grievances were manifold and deeply concerning: raw sewage from nearby apartments, many seemingly operating without proper treatment plants, pouring directly into the lake. Then there's the relentless dumping of solid waste, turning parts of the lake into an unofficial landfill. The result? An unbearable stench that hangs heavy in the air, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and a very real threat of skin diseases and other health hazards for anyone living nearby. It's a truly sorry state of affairs for what was once a vital freshwater resource.

Naturally, the Upa Lokayukta wasn't just there to listen; he was there to instigate change. He issued very clear, very firm directives to the responsible authorities, making it abundantly clear that mere lip service wouldn't suffice. The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner, for instance, was tasked with ensuring that all new buildings strictly adhere to regulations requiring sewage treatment plants (STPs), and critically, to monitor existing ones. Beyond that, the MCC must undertake the arduous but necessary task of clearing the accumulated solid waste and, crucially, addressing encroachments that have further choked the lake's natural boundaries.

But the directives didn't stop there. The Executive Engineer of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWS&DB) was instructed to meticulously inspect the underground drainage (UGD) system for any leaks or failures contributing to the lake's contamination. And let's not forget the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Environment Officer, who now bears the responsibility of inspecting those offending apartments discharging untreated sewage and, quite rightly, taking stringent action against them. It’s about accountability, you see, and ensuring that those who pollute are held responsible for their actions.

Perhaps the most significant outcome of the visit is the deadline set by the Upa Lokayukta: a comprehensive, action-taken report is expected from the Deputy Commissioner and the Mangaluru City Corporation within two short months. This isn't just a request; it's a mandate, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which this environmental issue is now being treated. For the long-suffering residents, who have diligently submitted memorandum after memorandum over the years with little tangible progress, this intervention by the Upa Lokayukta represents a renewed flicker of hope that Khandige Lake might, just might, be nursed back to health.