Udupi: Untreated Sewage Cast Into Sea, Upa Lokayukta Files 17 Suo Motu Complaints

In a recent development that has raised alarm among locals and environmentalists, residents of Udupi district reported that untreated sewage was released into the Arabian Sea from the town’s main drainage basin. The incident has prompted the Upa Lokayukta to file 17 suo motu complaints against municipal authorities, citing violations of the Basic Environment (Protection of Coastal Regions) Regulation and potential harm to marine life.

Udupi, a coastal district in Karnataka known for its fishing communities and tourist attractions, has long struggled with inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure. While the municipal corporation had pledged to upgrade its treatment plant, reports suggest that the facility was either non‑operational or functioning below capacity at the time of the discharge. The Upa Lokayukta’s complaint highlights missing permits, lack of proper waste disposal channels, and repeated violations of environmental norms over the past months.

The release of untreated effluent threatens local fisheries, pollutes beach areas, and can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases. Fishermen have expressed concerns about declining fish catches, while tourism operators warn that tourist visits to beaches may diminish. The Upa Lokayukta has called for an immediate audit of the sewage system and for the installation of a modern treatment plant within the next year, citing the need to protect the district’s economy and ecological balance. Source: Google News – Udupi District.