Bhatkal: More than 50 wells in a residential locality of Bhatkal have allegedly been contaminated after sewage overflow from a blocked underground drainage (UGD) chamber seeped into nearby water sources, prompting residents to warn of a National Highway blockade on June 15 if the issue is not resolved.

Residents of Ward No. 15 and adjoining areas near Raghunath Road alleged that a blocked UGD chamber near Raghavendra Math has resulted in sewage overflowing into roadside drains and contaminating nearby wells used for drinking water. They claimed the problem has persisted for nearly a month, resulting in foul odour and raising concerns over public health.

According to local residents, complaints lodged with the Municipal Corporation have not led to a solution. They alleged that civic authorities directed them to approach IRB officials, while the latter reportedly attributed the problem to issues related to the old and new drainage connections, leaving the matter unresolved.

Residents said the continuous flow of sewage along the Mankuli–Pushpanjali stretch of Raghunath Road has caused inconvenience to commuters and railway passengers while also posing a risk to drinking water sources in the area.

With the monsoon season underway, residents urged authorities to immediately inspect the site, repair the damaged drainage infrastructure, prevent further sewage discharge, clean the contaminated wells and ensure the supply of safe drinking water to affected households.

Warning of an agitation, local residents said they would block the National Highway on the morning of June 15 if the issue is not addressed within the next two days. They said the responsibility for any untoward incidents arising from the proposed protest would rest with the concerned authorities.