Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, May 31: The general body meeting of Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) was held on Tuesday, May 30. Water problem, street light maintainence, garbage collection and other issues were discussed in the presence of nearly 30 councillors.

Councillor M R Pai raised the issue of wastage of water in Beedinagudde. He also pointed that as the silt was not cleared in Baje dam, the city is facing water scarcity this year. Shyam Prasad Kudwa and Narasimha Nayak of BJP supported Pai's claims.

Engineer Ragavendra said that in four years, around 2,100 new water connections are approved by the CMC and to meet their demamd is also a big challenge. In February itself, Sheeroor dam was closed and water collection had started. Now daily 23 mld of water is supplied to the public. And people close to Baje dam area are also pumping water for agricultural purpose.

Janardhan Bhandarkar, nominated member, congratulated the work of CMC in regard to water supply. He said, "Though there was 20 per cent less rain last year, CMC maintained good water supply for the public. This is praiseworthy.” The opposition members opposed this and said that it was the duty of the CMC to provide water.

Commissioner Manjunathaiah and engineer Ragavendra gave the clarification about the silt cleaning and said that seven blocks are made in the river flowing area and if the government permits, the blocks will be auctioned and sand mining will be started. Some councillors also said that CMC should take actions to unite people for sand mining and public can take sand for use.

President Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje said, "The tanker water is not supplied for commercial purpose. Buildings more than three storeys are instructed to install sewage treatment plant compulsorily."

When it was said that Kodavoor ward water tanker cleaner had collected money from the people, councillor of Kodankoor ward Janaki said, "It was not my fault. Public gave the money and I did not as them to do do."

The session took the decision that if any tanker operator of CMC was found collecting money, his tender will be cancelled.

Councillor Prashant Amin questioned about installation of CCTV cameras. In response to his question, engineer Ragavendra said that money was allotted in the budget for installing CCTV camera’s at Alevoor garbage treatment plant and they are installed.

Councillors Shashiraj Kunder and Prashant Amin pointed out the mismanagement in maintenance of street lights. Many other councillors of opposition and ruling party also supported them. They said that timers should be attached to street lights for smooth maintenance.

Janardhan Bhandarkar brought to the notice of the president the problems created by migrated workers, and how they are spoiling the cleanliness of the city.

Ramesh Kanchan, nominated member said, “TV cable wires are tied to the electric polls without the permission of MESCOM and they are hanging quite dangerously. This will be a danger to the small children."  

Many bills of the developmental works were approved in the session.

Vice-president Sandhya Kumari was present at the meeting.