Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 30: "Busy junctions in the city, Hampankatta, Ambedkar, Bunts Hostel, PVS and Mallikatte junctions are being taken up for immediate development. The city corporation has taken up the task of preparing estimate for this purpose," said city mayor, Mahabala Marla. He was addressing the general session of the city corporation council organized in the council hall here.

Marla said that the city corporation administration is very much aware of the foot-path related problems faced by the citizens. Informing those present at the session that a special meeting of the city corporators would be convened to discuss this issue within two weeks, he explained that a in-principle sanction for building railway over-bridge at Jeppu at a cost of Rs 12.6 lac has already been sent, and that in-principle sanction has also been given for the construction of underpass at Jappu Kudupady.

A number of corporators urged the city mayor to initiate criminal action against anyone who draws water from the pipeline of the city corporation without authorization. Several corporators drew the attention of the mayor towardsroad and other works that have not been taken up although tender process was completed long back relating to them. The mayor said an emergency meeting will be held within 15 days to take steps about such cases.

When chief whip of the corporation, M Shashidhar Hegde, brought up a request made by Karnataka Urban Development and Coastal Environmental Management Project (KUDCEMP) for waiver of rent due by it towards the office space it has been occupying at the city corporation's complex at Kadri here, several corporators vehemently opposed the proposal, sighting that it has become a routine for government offices to keep rent payment in arrears for prolonged time and then seek waiver.

The mayor also said that as proposed by corporator, Ashok D K, plans to set up ATMs at city corporation bus stops and to provide toilets at these bus stops are under consideration.

When BJP corporator, Vijay Kumar, wanted to know whether City Centre Mall in the city is in order in collecting parking fee for the vehicles visiting the complex, an official said that owners of buildings over two floors have to arrange for their own parking. The city mayor said that further steps will be taken relating to this issue after studying rules and regulations governing them.