Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 27: The general body meeting of Udupi City Municipality, held on January 27, welcomed the government’s notification to upgrade Udupi to a City Corporation. Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna emphasized the need for grants to support the development of new panchayats that will be included under the City Corporation and stressed the importance of seeking public opinion for its implementation.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna stated, “Upgrading to a City Corporation will bring additional grants and aid development. However, during the previous upgrade from a Town Municipality to a City Municipality, five villages were added, but basic amenities are still lacking in these areas. Public cooperation is crucial to drive further development. A proposal will be sent to the government requesting Rs 25 crore in grants for developing the new panchayats, including establishing sewage treatment plants and waste management facilities at three locations.”
Concerns raised by councilors
During the meeting, councilors highlighted various issues, including improper waste management, the disposal of wastewater into local water bodies like the Indrani River, and the dumping of waste in public areas. Councilors criticized the municipality for its failure to address these problems and called for stricter action.
Councilor Vijay Kodavoor raised concerns over a prayer hall being referred to as a church in official documents, alleging that it was a center for religious conversions. “This is not a church; it is a conversion center. Churches do not engage in conversion activities. I have raised this issue repeatedly, but there has been no resolution,” he said.
Kodavoor also highlighted the pollution of local water sources due to wastewater flowing into the sea, affecting well water and causing mosquito breeding. He suggested redirecting wastewater through pipelines to mitigate these issues.
Waste management initiatives
MLA Suvarna proposed several measures to address waste management challenges, including increasing the number of cesspool vehicles from two to five and offering a 50 percent discount on cesspool services in areas like Manipal, Gopalpura, and Malpe. He emphasized the need for strict action against residential and commercial buildings improperly disposing of waste in public spaces. “If owners cannot provide proper waste disposal or toilets, they should not rent out their properties. Notices must be issued, and if violations persist, MESCOM should cut power supply,” he directed.
Municipal authorities revealed that 474 properties were identified for improper wastewater disposal. Notices have been issued to 13 buildings, instructing them to make necessary arrangements within 15 days, failing which strict action, including cutting power or water supply, will be taken.
Other issues discussed
The meeting also addressed concerns about stray dogs, pollution of the Indrani River, and the development of gomala (grazing land). MLA Suvarna directed authorities to conduct weekly inspections and provide detailed reports to the City Municipality president. “While inspecting, ensure ward members are notified,” he added.
Meeting attendees
City Municipality president Prabhakar Poojary, vice president Rajani Hebbar, commissioner Uday Shetty, municipal authorities, CMC members, and others were present at the meeting.