Coastal Talk News | Mangaluru
Fish transporting vehicles continue to spill wastewater on roads in Mangaluru and along National Highway, causing foul smells and making roads slippery for other motorists.
Several trucks and mini goods vehicles transporting fish from the fisheries harbour are found operating without proper wastewater collection tanks. As a result, wastewater spills onto the roads from the harbour onwards, leaving stretches such as Mannagudda-Kulur Ferry Road with a pungent odour. The problem has persisted since the beginning of the fishing season in August, citizens of Mangaluru have observed.
Apart from causing public inconvenience, the spilled wastewater poses a safety risk as it makes road surfaces slippery for other vehicles. Despite the requirement to prevent such leakages, many fish transport vehicles continue to operate without the necessary twin wastewater tanks. Mangaluru City Police have registered 604 cases against vehicles for spilling fish wastewater on roads this year and collected fines amounting to Rs 3.02 lakh. The number of cases registered this year is over 30% higher than last year, police informed. Police have also been checking vehicles for leakages and put up flex banners on certain roads restricting their movement.
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the police would take steps to stop the nuisance. “People should not violate the law and think it is their right to do so. Justifying such violations can encourage others to do the same,” he said.
