Surathkal: Rs 1 crore needed to empty flooded parking lot at new market complex

Surathkal: A new challenge has cropped up for resuming the second-phase construction of the massive market complex at Surathkal. The planned underground car park has turned into a muddy pond, with heaps of trash floating around, which needs to be pumped out before the work can begin. The pumping out the water alone is estimated to cost a whopping one crore rupees.

It was planned to build the parking lot for the market to underground. However, during the Monsoon rains this year, the area has been flooded. In the absence of suitable drainage infrastructure, the rainwater from the surroundings and the water seeping from a broken drinking water pipeline has been collected in the underground parking lot.

Moreover, garbage has mixed in with this standing water, which is emitting a foul smell in the vicinity of the market structure form the rotting garbage. The garbage is also hindering the water from evaporating. The area has become an eyesore for the public.

The second phase of works of the market complex has been approved and is in the tender stage. However, before the works can begin pump sets will be required to lift water from the flooded parking lot.

MLA of hte area Bharat Shetty Y said that the the Department of Urban Development has sanctioned the second phase work. Further he assured that the concerned officials will be directed to ensure that drainage outlets are not clogged to prevent the situation form recurring.