Bhatkal’s Infrastructure Issues Raised in Dubai: Memorandum Submitted to UT Khader

Dubai-based community representatives from Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, Manki, Honavar, and surrounding areas recently met with Karnataka Minister UT Khader to highlight critical infrastructure problems affecting their hometown.

Leading the delegation, Ateeq ur Rahman Muniri raised several pressing concerns on behalf of residents living in the Gulf region. He emphasized the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities in Bhatkal, specifically requesting either a super-specialty hospital or at minimum, a trauma center, blood bank, and dialysis unit at the existing government hospital.

A major point of discussion was the incomplete and substandard construction of the four-lane National Highway passing through Bhatkal. Representatives complained that the highway work lacks proper service roads, causing significant inconvenience to local residents and businesses.

The delegation also raised serious concerns about the poor quality of Underground Drainage (UGD) work in the town. They pointed out that a pumping station built on the densely populated Gausiya Street has turned the historic Shirali River which flows through the heart of the city into what they described as an open sewer carrying untreated wastewater.

Responding to these concerns, Minister UT Khader expressed his commitment to addressing the issues. He assured the delegation that he would personally review all the points raised and invited the responsible officials to Bangalore for meetings with relevant government departments and ministers to find practical solutions.

The gathering began with Quran recitation by Owais Saada. BMJD General Secretary Jailani Mohtasham welcomed the attendees. The meeting saw participation from several prominent community leaders including Canara Muslim Gulf Council President Mohammed Ghouse Khalifa, General Secretary Abu Mohammed Mukhtasar, and officials from various organizations based in Dubai and the UAE.

Other notable attendees included Khwaja Iqbal, Sabir, Muzaffar, Abdul Qadir Basha Ruknuddin, Afaq Naite, Taha Mualim, Yaser Qasimji, Qamar Saada, and many other respected community members.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a detailed memorandum outlining all the public issues facing Bhatkal and surrounding areas was formally submitted to Minister UT Khader. The session ended with a dinner reception.