MANGALURU: Following heavy rainfall, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Mugilan has declared a holiday on Tuesday for all schools and colleges in Mangaluru, Mulki, Ullal, Moodbidri and Bantwal. keeping the safety of children in mind.
The DC has said that respective tahsildars can declare holidays for schools and colleges in other taluks after considering the rainfall situation. In view of the heavy rains, the Meteorological Department has announced an orange alert for Dakshina Kannada district.
There was heavy rain in Dakshina Kannada for about two hours on Monday evening, which disrupted normal life. The main roads were waterlogged in several parts and motorists could be seen struggling to make their way through. At Pumpwell Circle, which is supposed to be the gateway to the city, the adjacent drain was full and the road was flooded. People got stuck in traffic for about half an hour and vehicles were lined up on the road for several kilometres.
This problem has started ever since the flyover was constructed to the NH at Pumpwell Circle. There is a road under the flyover for vehicles entering and the drainage on one side is at an elevation while on the other side, it is below the road surface. Thus, the water flows downwards due to the unscientific planning and people in that area have been facing problem since for the last five or six years.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has turned a blind eye to the problem. This is not the first time, and the situation recurs every year during the monsoon, locals pointed out.