Contaminated Drinking Water Crisis Persists in Bhatkal’s Old Neighborhoods

Residents of several old localities in Bhatkal are once again facing a serious drinking water crisis, as underground drainage continues to seep into local wells, rendering the water unsafe for consumption.

Municipal Councillor Fiyaz H. Mulla has submitted a formal written complaint to the Commissioner of the City Municipal Council, highlighting the worsening situation in areas including Shaukat Ali Road, Shazli Street, Farooqi Street, and Ghousiya Street. According to the complaint, drainage water is leaking through underground pipelines and mixing with well water in these localities, leaving residents with no reliable source of clean drinking water.

The councillor’s letter points out that frequent cleaning of contaminated wells is financially beyond the reach of most residents. He has urged the municipal body to take immediate responsibility and arrange for proper well cleaning at the earliest.

Councillor Mulla also issued a stern warning, stating that if the issue is not resolved within a reasonable timeframe, stronger action will be taken against the civic authorities for their continued inaction.

This is not a new problem. Residents of these older parts of the city have been dealing with this issue for years, with the situation worsening each summer when water scarcity increases and access to clean water becomes even more difficult.

Locals say they have repeatedly raised the matter with authorities, but no permanent solution has been implemented so far. As a result, the hardship for ordinary residents continues to grow with each passing season.