Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 25: Dakshina Kannada district recently witnessed two deaths due to coronavirus infection and there is apprehension about mounting number of infected people. However, V Ponnuraj, appointed by the state government as in-charge secretary for the district, however, is not visible in meetings and programmes.

As soon as coronavirus cases began to be reported from the district Ponnuraj, considered as a no-nonsense officer, had rushed to the district from Bengaluru and held meetings with the district administration. He had initiated strong measures towards regulating the pandemic and earned the appreciation of the people. But of late, the people are questioning about his absence in meetings and other programmes.

When Kerala exerted pressure to allow patients from that state to travel to Mangaluru via Talapady, Ponnuraj had stoically blocked their efforts. He also had settled issues like shifting of the central market ably.

When issue concerning the cremation of two aged ladies gave rise to dispute after the same was resisted by locals, district administration was found lacking the conviction and zeal to handle the issues. Many believe that if an experienced officer like Ponnuraj was present here, such situations could have been affectively handled.

Sources in the district administration stated that Ponnuraj has stayed put at Bengaluru and from there he has been monitoring developments and giving instructions and suggestions to the officials here as and when necessary.