Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jan 18: Former MLA J R Lobo alleged on Wednesday January 18 that unscientific works are being undertaken under Smart City project. He also said that most of the projects to Mangaluru were sanctioned under his tenure and not as claimed by city south MLA Vedavyas Kamath.
Addressing media here on Wednesday J R Lobo said, “The hanging bridge which is expected to be constructed from Boloor to connect Tannirbhavi worth Rs 35 crore will be a complete failure. Instead, if they construct a permanent bridge, it will be helpful. I urge the government to drop the plan of hanging bridge and plan to construct a permanent bridge. The Smart City project funds should have been spent to develop fisheries and port sectors, instead the money has been used for the projects which can be undertaken by Mangaluru City Corporation.
“MLA Kamath claimed that Mangaluru has received Rs 4750 crore funds for development works, but it was under the Congress government’s tenure under Siddaramaiah and in my tenure as an MLA, the projects were sanctioned and now they are implemented. The Jala Siri project worth Rs 760 crore was sanctioned in my tenure. I urge MLA Kamath to release the document which shows the timeline of the projects sanctioned. The BJP objected to the housing project at Shaktinagar claiming that the houses were being constructed on deemed forest land. Now for the second time, MLA Kamath is ready to lay foundation stone who once raised objection during my tenure as an MLA. Even the work has not commenced of multi-level car parking despite of foundation stone laying ceremony several years ago. The AB Shetty circle which is named after a great personality was destroyed. The BJP government does not have proper vision when they undertake any work and they should learn history before taking up any work,” he said.
Congress leaders Shashidhar Hegde, Naveen D’Souza, TK Sudhir, Subodh Alva, Sahul Hameed, Chandrakala and others were present.