Despite serving as the primary drinking water supply for Mangalore city and several taluks, untreated sewage and waste continue to flow into river Netravati at multiple points in Bantwal.

At least 12 locations within Bantwal town municipality limits have been identified where sewage is directly entering the Netravati River, raising fears of water contamination and potential outbreaks of infectious diseases. However, authorities, including the Bantwal municipality, district administration, and Mangalore City Corporation, have remained largely silent on the issue.

Thousands of people in Bantwal and Mangalore depend on Netravati’s water. Residents are urging authorities to take immediate corrective measures. They have called on the district commissioner and city officials to inspect the affected sites and initiate urgent clean-up efforts. The situation demands immediate intervention to ensure safe drinking water and to protect public health.