Udupi: Following heavy rainfall on May 20, the stretch of road from Syndicate Circle in Manipal towards Lakshmindra Nagar was submerged, raising serious concerns about the vulnerability of the Udupi–Manipal National Highway due to recurring waterlogging and poor drainage infrastructure.

The torrential rain caused water to accumulate at Syndicate Circle and flow uncontrollably towards the Kundelu forest area due to the absence of a proper stormwater drain. The flood-like water carried boulders and soil for over 200 metres, damaging shops and houses along the route and wreaking havoc in Lakshmindra Nagar. The root of the issue lies in the lack of a functional roadside drainage system.

No underground drainage
Rainwater from areas near the Max showroom in Manipal currently flows through a small open drain in front of an apartment complex and into the nearby forest. However, there is no underground drainage system in place. The lack of a proper outlet caused water to spill onto the roads, dragging with it soil and rocks and damaging infrastructure.

Although a narrow drain begins near the Backus Inn Bar, it is insufficient during heavy rain, resulting in road-level water flow. Locals suggest constructing a wider, continuous drain from the top of the slope to accommodate runoff and prevent future flooding.

Debris still not cleared
Large and small stones that washed onto the highway during Tuesday’s rain have not been fully cleared, say locals. Some large rocks have been moved to the road divider, but smaller stones remain on the road, posing a skid hazard for two-wheelers. Shop owner Raghu notes that a massive pothole has formed due to the erosion, and oncoming traffic from the opposite direction is increasing the risk of accidents.

Lakshmindra Nagar: Drain cleared after protests
In Lakshmindra Nagar, more than 20 houses were flooded after a blocked stormwater drain near a bend overflowed. Following protests from residents, the Udupi City Municipality cleared the drain using a JCB machine on Wednesday, with Corporator Bharati Prashanth overseeing the installation of a proper culvert to ensure smooth flow of water.

Strict action against encroachments
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna directed officials to take strict action against those who have encroached on stormwater drains for building structures or parking. He added that complaints are pouring in from various areas about illegal constructions on drainage paths, and the city municipality has been instructed to investigate and clear such encroachments.

No land acquisition, hence no drain
Manjunath Nayak, an engineer from the highway department, said the issue stems from the fact that land acquisition was not undertaken during the highway’s construction in Manipal, which prevented the laying of proper drainage. Temporary measures will now be taken to ensure rainwater can be redirected safely, he added.