Mangalore's development has been unplanned, needs vision: Muda chief
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Aug 19: Commissioner of Mangalore Urban Development Authority (Muda) Mohammed Nazeer on Sunday August 18 stressed on the need for vision in planning the development of the city and said that it would be possible only through public-private participation.
Delivering a talk on 'Mangalore 2025 - A Vision' organized by Rachana at Pio Mall here on Sunday, Nazeer admitted thatmuch of Mangalore's development had been unplanned as compared to that of Bangalore and Mysore. "Development of Mangalore has been unplanned in terms of greenery, open space and roads. We are weak in these three aspects, but in terms of construction we are the fastest in the state. Therefore, we need a proper vision for development," he said.
"This can be possible through private-public participation in formation of rules and projects. There is a need to take stakeholders into confidence, which has not been done. Due to this we are facing several problems," he added.
"If the land is residential or commercial and one wants to convert it into indstrial, one needs to get permission from Bangalore, but the permission for converting industrial land into commercial or residential can be sought at the commissioner level," he said.
He said Kadri Park in the city would be developed at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore, and so also the deer park. "This is the only green and open space in the city apart from Pilikula, hence we will develop it further. We have already got the approval from the government," he said.
Other plans include conversion of 75 acre of land in Chelyar and 13 acre land in Konaje into residential layouts, he informed. There are also plans to renovate Urwa Store, Urwa Market and the old bus stand.
"At Muda we do not get any grants from government, we have to generate income generate income ourselves or take loans to implement any programme. Although there is a reserve fund of Rs 20 crore, it is only for land acquisition. However, we still have plans and projects to develop Mangalore," he said, adding that Muda was not financially strong.
"There is a some false assumption among people about Muda due to which they fear approaching us. I want to make Muda people-friendly so that anyone can come at any time. In order to help the people we will publish zoning regulations on Muda website and also make hard copies available at a nominal price," he said.
On a query about the Yettinahole project, he said it was not under his purview.
Prior to the talk, a brief programme was held during which NRI entrepreneur Leo Rodrigues was the chief guest.
On the occasion, he released the Rachana news bulletin, the first in 15 years, edited by Brian Fernandes.
Addressing the gathering, Leo Rodrigues said, "I had the opportunity yo release the first Rachana bulletin. I wish its publication continues for many years. It will facilitate better communication between members."
Rachana president Ivan D'Souza welcomed the gathering while John Monteiro thanked.
Roy Castelino, Marcel Monteiro, Rudolph Rodrigues, office-bearers and members of Rachana were present.