Cabinet likely to sanction initial funds to start rebuilding city’s ageing sewer network
Mangaluru: The Karnataka cabinet is set to consider a proposal for an initial release of ₹350 crore to commence urgent works to upgrade the underground drainage (UGD) network within Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits, officials said on Thursday.
Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who chaired a review meeting at the MCC office in Mangaluru, said a comprehensive plan addressing the city’s broken and incomplete UGD system has been placed before the state cabinet. Officials estimate the total outlay required for full reconstruction and expansion at around ₹1,200 crore, with roughly 35% of the city currently lacking UGD coverage.
“I am optimistic that it will be cleared by the cabinet tomorrow,”
the minister said, according to official accounts. He added that much of Mangaluru’s existing drainage was constructed using laterite stones, and several stretches have already collapsed, necessitating reconstruction rather than piecemeal repair.
The state government has sought the larger sum from the finance department but is requesting an immediate tranche to initiate work without delay. If the cabinet approves the proposal, the initial ₹350 crore will be used to begin reconstruction and targeted expansion across the MCC jurisdiction.
Scope, priorities and linked water projects
Officials say the work will involve both rebuilding collapsed laterite-lined sections and extending coverage to neighbourhoods that currently have no UGD. The minister also flagged linked drinking-water proposals: a combined request for projects covering parts of coastal and neighbouring districts has been placed before the cabinet for ₹167 crore.
- Immediate fund request: ₹350 crore for UGD start-up works within Mangaluru city limits.
- Estimated comprehensive cost: ₹1,200 crore to upgrade and expand entire UGD network.
- UGD coverage gap: Approximately 35% of city without underground drainage.
- Drinking-water proposals: ₹167 crore placed before the cabinet for broader projects including Mangaluru.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah also said the government had placed a proposal seeking relaxation of certain conditions imposed by the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC), which, he argued, would allow more effective utilisation of available funds for the drinking-water and urban infrastructure projects.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial UGD fund proposed | ₹350 crore |
| Estimated full UGD upgrade | ₹1,200 crore |
| Drinking-water projects proposal | ₹167 crore |
Local implications and next steps
If approved by the cabinet at the meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the initial funds will enable municipal authorities to invite tenders and begin priority reconstruction works. Restoring and extending UGD coverage is likely to affect sanitation, stormwater management and public health outcomes in low-lying and densely populated wards, particularly where laterite-lined drains have collapsed.
Municipal engineers will need to prepare detailed project reports, identify priority stretches for immediate intervention and coordinate with water-supply agencies handling the parallel drinking-water schemes. The outcome of the KUIDFC-norm relaxations will also influence financing terms and the pace at which central or state-linked urban infrastructure funds can be deployed.
The minister said a master plan for Mangaluru city had already been submitted to the government and that officials would follow up on the proposals once the cabinet decision is taken.
Residents and ward councillors will be watching for the announcement and for timelines on tendering and work commencement. Effective implementation, municipal engineers and civic councillors say, will be crucial to ensure the funds translate into durable drainage that reduces flooding and contamination risks in the coastal city.
