Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Sep 16: Association of Consulting Civil Engineers and Architects (ACCEA) Udupi organised Engineers’ Day celebration at Anantha Shayana hall, hotel Kediyoor here on Saturday, September 15.

Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.

Addressing the gathering, Raghupati Bhat said, “There is severe problem of sand in Udupi district. The process of software up gradation is going on. A body of CMC should be formed. We have all eligible councillors to get reservation in CMC. Once the president and vice president has been appointed, within a week this issue will be discussed. There will be no complications for builders in construction. Issues will be sorted out at executive engineer level. There will not any political corruption at CMC, while issuing permits or licenses.

“The process of solving sand extraction issue is getting delayed because of anti-people officials. There is no problem under CRZ. Ten days ago chief minister HD Kumaraswamy visited Udupi, but no action has been taken by the deputy commissioner so far. Sand bars were marked by fishermen and a report had been sent to seven member committee through fisheries department. Even MLC Pratapchandra Shetty extended his support. But the corrupt mining department officials have not shown any interest to take one step forward. The DC directed AC to conduct resurvey for marking sand bunds. There must be limit for our patience. If the DC does not have courage, let her be transferred. It is a very simple task, but the DC is making it very complicated. If we got environment clearance certificate, everything will be solved. There is no political interference in this case.

“NITK is ready to conducting survey, but the DC has asked to conduct Bathymetric survey. It will take time and moreover, this method is not possible practically. Officials must have willpower to do it. There are many workers interconnected to construction work who are dependent on this for their livelihood.

“My purpose is to help people in any possible way. The CM himself passed an order, but the process of implementation is getting delayed. Protest is the only way to get sand and fulfil our demands,” he said.

Chief guest Padmashree awardee Girish Bharadhwaj, proprietor of AYAS Shilpa Gandhinagar said, “Hard work is important to achieve something. I was attracted towards love and respect of villagers, in construing bridges, and not for making money. Each one has to help others in his possible way. Potholes are one of the reasons for down streaming of Indian economy. There are certain scientific measures in using construction materials. But it is not used by engineers. That leads to poor performance. Mistakes are done by officials in constructing roads. Once they put quality and proper materials, there will be no problem of potholes.”

Jayanthi Prabhu, retired executive engineer PWD Mangaluru, M Palachandra Rao, LCE, Siddharaju, Shri Mookambika Polymy products and retired assistant executive engineer, Karkala were felicitated by ACCEU for remarkable milestones in their service.

Gopal Bhat, president of ACCEU Udupi, extended the welcome address.

Yogishchandra and Harish compered the programme.