Bantwal

Solid Waste Management Unit at Kanchinadka Padavu in a State of Neglect

Published

8 months ago

August 13, 2025

Bantwal : A scientific solid waste management facility built at Kanchinadka Padavu in the Sajeepanadu Gram Panchayat limits under the jurisdiction of the Bantwal Municipality has fallen into a state of disrepair, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental safety.

Constructed in 2005-06 at a cost of several crores of rupees on 8.55 acres of land that was once illegally quarried, the facility was intended to handle and process solid waste generated in the municipal area. However, due to poor maintenance and ineffective operation, the unit has become a dumping ground, with heaps of waste forming mounds like small hills.

Despite having invested in modern machinery such as a conveyor belt system for segregating wet, dry, plastic, and paper waste, the equipment has reportedly never functioned properly since installation. Operators claim the conveyor machine has rusted due to long-term inactivity, and mechanical repairs have been ignored.

Additional machines, including a waste pressing machine, bio-gas production unit, coke pit machine, weighbridge, and filter plant, are all lying unused and deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. This is despite the central government allocating substantial funds for solid waste management under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Local civic activist Govinda Prabhu stated, “Though the issue is discussed frequently in monthly municipal meetings, no one has shown genuine interest in resolving the problem or bringing the project to its logical conclusion.”

Adding to the controversy, allegations have emerged that waste from areas beyond the Bantwal Municipality is being dumped at the site. Despite a compound wall and gate being installed around the facility, the management and control of incoming waste remain poor.

Hariprasad Bhandaribettu, another concerned resident, said, “Municipal authorities have failed to take responsibility for the operational costs, claiming it falls outside their purview. Meanwhile, the growing waste mound could soon spark a health and environmental crisis.”

With expensive infrastructure lying unused and government funds effectively wasted, citizens are now demanding accountability from the authorities and urgent action to revive the facility.

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Bantwal

Road Accident Claims Life in Bantwal

Published

2 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bantwal: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a man in Ganesh Nagar near Neralakatte in Bantwal.

The deceased has been identified as 68-year-old Hukkappa Gowda. The accident occurred while he was crossing the road. A two-wheeler hit him, leading to his death.

Senior police officials visited the accident spot. District Additional Superintendent of Police A.S. Bhumareddy inspected the scene and is leading the investigation.

Further details about the incident are yet to be confirmed.

Bantwal

Young Photographer Dies in Bike Accident

Published

4 weeks ago

March 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bantwal: A 43-year-old photographer died after a road accident between two bikes in Panemangalore, Bantwal. The incident happened on Friday night.

The deceased has been identified as Rakshith Shetty, a resident of Shambhoor. He was seriously injured in the accident and was admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru.

However, he died on Saturday despite treatment, police said.

Rakshith was an active member of the Bantwal unit of the Photographers’ Association and was known as a talented videographer.

Tragically, his daughter’s 10th birthday was scheduled to be celebrated at home on March 15. The family had already made preparations for the celebration.

But the house that was ready for a birthday celebration is now mourning the death of the father.

Rakshith’s brother Ranjith was also injured in an accident years ago and has been bedridden at home.

The poor family is now left without its main support.

Bantwal

Aadhaar Cards Found Dumped on Banks of Netravathi River in Bantwal

Published

1 month ago

March 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bantwal: In a shocking incident, a large number of Aadhaar cards bearing the addresses of residents from Pudu village were found dumped along the banks of the Netravathi River near Farangipete’s Tenth Mile area in Bantwal.

The matter came to light on Tuesday evening when local residents noticed Aadhaar cards floating in the river and scattered along the riverbank. They immediately alerted other villagers, following which several people rushed to the spot and verified the discovery.

Many of the recovered Aadhaar cards reportedly carried the addresses of households in Pudu village. The incident has triggered panic and anger among residents, who questioned how such an important identity document could end up abandoned in this manner.

Reacting to the development, Pudu Gram Panchayat President Ramlan Maripalla said that several villagers had not received their Aadhaar cards and were forced to pay money at cyber centers to obtain copies. The discovery of thousands of Aadhaar cards along the riverbank raises serious concerns, he said, demanding that those responsible be identified and held accountable.

He further stated that the matter would be brought to the attention of higher authorities and that a formal complaint would also be submitted to the local MLA on behalf of the Gram Panchayat.

Warning of agitation, Maripalla said that if strict action is not taken against the culprits, villagers, along with the Gram Panchayat, would stage a protest in front of the post office.

Residents have urged the concerned department to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure accountability.