Bhatkal: Following the failure of the pumping station at Ghausiya Street and the repeated discharge of sewage into Bhatkal’s historic Sarabi River, the river has become heavily polluted, and hundreds of wells in surrounding residential areas have also been contaminated.
Residents of Ghausiya Street, Qazia Street, Takiya Street, Jamia Street, Siddiq Street, Khalifa Street, and Sultani Street have been grappling with this issue for years. Now, the adjacent Asarkeri locality has also been severely affected.
Soon after the onset of the monsoon, over 50 wells in Asarkeri showed signs of sewage contamination. This has raised serious concerns about drinking water safety, particularly as most residents rely on well water for daily use. With no alternative source of potable water, residents now face a growing health risk. The contaminated water has become foul-smelling and a breeding ground for mosquitoes, compounding the public health crisis.
Social worker Mohan Naik stated that more than 25 people have reportedly contracted typhoid so far, with patients seeking treatment at government hospitals, private clinics, and local medical centres. He blamed the crisis on poorly planned and unscientific drainage systems.
He further warned that infections could rise sharply if urgent action is not taken. Several households have seen multiple members fall ill — one family reported five cases of typhoid, while others reported three or more. Cases of diarrhoea and suspected cholera have also been noted.
Another social activist, Ishwar Naik, said that despite repeated complaints to municipal councillors and officials, no effective action has been taken. Former municipal councillor Venkatesh Naik criticised the continued inaction and warned that residents would stage protests if the issue remains unresolved.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Dr. Savita Kamath — Taluka Health Officer and Administrative Medical Officer (AMO) at Bhatkal Government Hospital — dispatched a medical team to Asarkeri. The team conducted blood tests and fever screenings, while ASHA workers and water quality testing teams were also mobilised. Dr. Kamath confirmed that at least five patients are currently undergoing treatment at the government hospital due to the consumption of contaminated water.
Engineer Jeelani Mohtisham, convener of the fact-finding committee formed by the local NGO Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, stated that the crisis stems from two main causes: the failure of the Ghausiya Street pumping station and the ongoing pollution of the Sarabi River. He stressed the urgent need to repair and replace ageing pipelines and to undertake comprehensive cleaning, deepening, and desilting of the river. Without these measures, he warned, sewage will continue to seep into residential wells through underground channels.
Municipal Chief Officer Venkatesh Nauda confirmed that failure of the pumping station has led to the problem. He also said that sewerage pipelines need to be replaced and a sum of Rs 200 crore has been allocated for this. However sources said that these fund have been diverted for some other work.
Health experts and local residents are now unanimously calling for immediate action — including the repair and replacement of ageing pipelines, a full-scale cleanup of the Sarabi River, disinfection of contaminated wells, and the provision of alternative drinking water sources — to prevent the crisis from escalating into a full-fledged public health emergency.