Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council Raises Six Key Civic Issues with MLA Mankal Vaidya at Dubai Dinner
The delegation submitted a memorandum seeking action on underground drainage, Sarabi River pollution, pending court cases, damaged roads, a permanent municipal building and frequent power cuts.
Dubai (Fikrokhabar News): The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council has submitted a memorandum highlighting six major public issues in Bhatkal to Karnataka Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and Bhatkal MLA Mankal S. Vaidya during his visit to Dubai.
A special dinner was hosted in Vaidya’s honour by Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council General Secretary Muniri Atiqur Rahman at his residence on Monday, October 26, 2026. The gathering also provided an opportunity for members of the Bhatkal community living in the Gulf to discuss long standing civic concerns and seek the MLA’s intervention.
The programme began with a recitation of the Quran by Maulana Mohammed Mulla Karani, while host Muniri Atiqur Rahman conducted the proceedings. The dinner was held at 8 pm in a penthouse on the 23rd floor of the Twin Towers Residence Block on Baniyas Street in Dubai’s Deira area.
In its memorandum dated October 26, the council welcomed Vaidya’s visit and appreciated his contributions to Bhatkal’s development. It particularly acknowledged improvements to Bandar Road, Sagar Road and Government Hospital Road, expressing hope that development work would continue across the town.
Representing ten jamaats from Gulf countries, the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside Majlis Islah wa Tanzeem Bhatkal to address the town’s longstanding problems.
Six Key Demands Presented to the MLA
1. Fixing deficiencies in the underground drainage project
The council stated that the underground drainage project had failed to deliver the expected results, particularly in Old Bhatkal, leaving residents facing persistent difficulties.
It called for a technical assessment of the project, accountability for the shortcomings and corrective measures to be completed within a clearly defined timeframe.
2. Progress in cases involving around 15 youths
The memorandum also raised concerns over pending cases involving approximately 15 youths in connection with the Morin Katte dispute.
The council requested that progress be expedited through lawful procedures to help reduce the difficulties faced by the youths and their families.
3. Cleaning up the polluted Sarabi River
The council expressed concern that pollution in the Sarabi River remained unresolved despite repeated assurances.
It urged the authorities to take effective measures to clean the river, protect public health and establish a clear timeline for a lasting solution.
4. Repair and reconstruction of internal roads
Highlighting the poor condition of several internal roads, the council sought adequate funding for permanent repairs and reconstruction in residential areas.
It also called for the work to be completed within specified deadlines to improve road safety and ease daily travel for residents.
5. A permanent building for Bhatkal City Municipal Council
The memorandum emphasised the need for a permanent building for the Bhatkal City Municipal Council.
According to the council, approximately 35 guntas of land is reportedly available within the Tahsildar’s office premises. It requested that around 20 guntas be allocated for the construction of a dedicated municipal building.
The council stated that a suitable permanent facility would strengthen municipal administration and could also support efforts to upgrade the municipality’s status. It recalled that the demand had previously been raised during the tenure of former municipal president Altaf Kharuri.
6. Addressing frequent power cuts
The final demand concerned recurring electricity interruptions in Bhatkal, which continue to inconvenience residents.
The council urged Vaidya to coordinate with the Hubli Electricity Supply Company Limited (HESCOM) and seek improvements to the power infrastructure to ensure a more reliable electricity supply.
Council Seeks Action Before the End of MLA’s Tenure
In the concluding section of the memorandum, the council noted that several important issues remained unresolved despite assurances over the past three and a half years.
With approximately one and a half years remaining in Vaidya’s current term, the council expressed hope that he would use his experience and influence to help secure practical solutions to these longstanding problems.
It also stressed the importance of setting clear deadlines for development projects, maintaining effective oversight and following up regularly to ensure that the public receives tangible benefits.
The council expressed confidence that Vaidya would continue working towards Bhatkal’s development and help address the issues affecting residents.
During the gathering, Vaidya reportedly spoke about development works undertaken during his tenure. Other participants also raised concerns affecting their respective localities and urged him to take steps towards resolving them.