Udupi City Municipality serves notices to 376 apartments for letting untreated waste water to storm water drains

Udupi Deputy Commissioner T. K. Swaroopa said on Thursday that Udupi City Municipality has served notices to 376 apartments for letting their untreated waste water to storm water drains. Of them, 200 apartments are in Manipal, 105 in Udupi city and 70 apartments are in the jurisdiction of Malpe.

Presiding over a meeting of apartment owners’ associations in Udupi, the Deputy Commissioner asked the owners to scientifically treat the waste water.

She warned that legal action will be initiated against owners if untreated sewage and wastewater are discharged into rivers, streams or natural drains, causing water pollution. She said sewage and wastewater generated by apartments must be scientifically treated and reused, instead of being released into water bodies.

Ms. Swaroopa said though some apartment complexes have sewage treatment plants (STPs), they are not being used. In several cases, STPs are poorly maintained. Untreated wastewater entering natural water sources leads to severe contamination, posing risks to public health and the environment, she said, adding that environmental protection is a collective responsibility.

Stressing community participation, she said residents must develop a mindset to keep the city clean and prioritise pollution control.

She said the government is yet to approve a ₹ 400 crore underground drainage project prepared for Udupi city covering all wards.

She directed the City Municipal Commissioner and the Regional Environmental Officer to conduct a detailed survey of all residential complexes and submit a comprehensive report within 20 days on the availability, condition and operation of wastewater treatment plants.