Over 50 Wells Contaminated Due to Underground Sewer Leakage in Bhatkal; Residents Warn of Highway Protest

Bhatkal: A major public health concern has emerged in Bhatkal after leakage and blockage in the underground drainage system reportedly contaminated more than 50 drinking water wells in parts of the town.

The affected areas include Mannolli, the vicinity of Pushpanjali Theatre, Ward No. 15, and surrounding localities near Raghunath Road. Residents say sewage water from a leaking underground drainage chamber has seeped into groundwater sources, making well water unsafe for consumption.

With the monsoon season underway, locals fear the spread of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and other waterborne infections. The situation has caused widespread anxiety among residents who depend on these wells for their daily water needs.

According to local residents, a leaking sewer chamber near Raghavendra Mutt has resulted in wastewater overflowing onto roads and drains before infiltrating nearby wells. They claim the problem has persisted for more than a month, creating an unbearable stench across the area.

The foul smell and unhygienic conditions have not only affected residents but have also caused inconvenience to passengers travelling to and from the nearby railway station.

Residents have accused both the municipal authorities and IRB, the company responsible for maintaining the National Highway, of avoiding responsibility and shifting blame instead of addressing the issue.

Angered by the lack of action, local residents have warned that they will stage a major protest and block the National Highway on June 15 if the authorities fail to resolve the problem and arrange for the cleaning and restoration of the contaminated wells.

Several local leaders and residents, including Parameshwar Naik, Suresh Naik, Sudhakar Naik, Dinesh Naik, Nagaraj Naik and others, were present while issuing the warning.