Mangaluru: Clean image, development work to be J R Lobo's trump card this election


Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 9: Mangaluru South's incumbent MLA J R Lobo is perhaps one of the very few politicians who has not let the pitfalls of politics get the better of him. An upright and clean politician, the former bureaucrat remains as simple and down-to-earth as ever, one of the few politicians whose income has not doubled in the last five years. He raised eyebrows when he decided to make his political debut by joining the Congress in 2013, but in the midst of dissidence within the party faction, the government servant in his political debut humbled the four-time Mangaluru South MLA Yogish Bhat with a big margin of 12,000 votes. For the last five years, Lobo, with his rich knowledge of the constituency has left no stone unturned in implementing different developmental schemes. People in the constituency have time and again lauded him for his vision and action in taking the city forward.

John Richard Lobo, better known to everyone as J R Lobo was born on March 26, 1953 in Kouduru village of Kolalmbe grama of Mangaluru taluk. He successfully cleared KAS exam in 1977 and worked as a tahasildar in Madikeri, Koppa, Somwarpete, Chikkamagaluru and Puttur taluk. He also served in different parts of Karnataka in various capacities such as assistant director of food and civil supplies, Dakshina Kannada, as additional deputy commissioner, DK, additional divisional officer of Sirsi division, overall in-charge officer of Mangaluru-Bengaluru petroleum pipeline, commissioner of Mangaluru City Corporation, as planning director of Coastal ADB plan etc.

J R Lobo has evinced keen interest in developing tourism in Dakshina Kannada. Apart from his regular responsibilities he also served as the executive director of Pilikula Nisargadhama for 18 years from 1994 to 2012 and has been instrumental in the progress and transformation of Pilikula Nisargadhama as an important tourist attraction of Dakshina Kannada. Today, Pilikula attracts a huge number of tourists and visitors with its wide range of recreational facilities and knowledge centres - India's first 3D planetarium being the icing on the cake.

After rendering 35 years of fruitful service as KAS officer, he took voluntary retirement to foray into active politics.


Achievements as MLA

In these last 5 years, he has worked diligently for the development of Mangaluru South Constituency. His main aim is to see the emergence of Mangaluru as a well developed and modern city and he has initiated and implemented many projects and programmes.

1) Lobo has brought about drastic improvement in roads, footpaths and under passes. In addition, under the smart city project, a planned approach has been initiated to improve roads in Old Port, Hampankatta and Car Street. He has improved the road connecting to the Kankanady Railway Station for which a sum of Rs. 4.50 crores has been sanctioned. The underpass built at Padil-Bajal at a cost of Rs. 2 crores has given a respite to the people who were facing lot of hardships due to railway crossing affecting their daily movement.

An under bridge was constructed at Jeppu Kudupadi giving relief to the residents of the area. A proposal has already been submitted to provide an under bridge at Padil-Kannagudda at a cost of Rs 5 crores. Proposal has also been submitted to the state government to get grant for constructing a railway under bridge at Mahakali Padpu area.

Various projects for improving the roads have been undertaken in Shakthinagar, Bajal, Jeppinamogaru, Alape-Padil, Bolar, Kankanady, Bolooru, Urva and Kodialbail.

To reduce traffic pressure on the main road, various road development projects have been implemented at a cost of Rs. 300 crores.

In the last five years, footpaths have been constructed in many parts of the city. Implementation of broadening of roads and construction of footpaths is being implemented in the city at a cost of Rs 200 crore.

2) Solving water issues: The work on Thumbay dam which has a capacity of storing water to a height of 7 metre has been completed. This will ensure that there is no drinking water shortage problem facing the city for the next 30 years.

Quality water meters will be provided with a view to improve collection of water bills from citizens.

Steps have been initiated to improve water source bodies and water distribution to ensure that the city will not suffer from water shortage in the future.

3) 2nd Phase of ADB project: An amount of Rs. 350 crores was sanctioned to Mangaluru City under the ADB Project. This money was utilised to provide drinking water supply, underground drainage, solid waste management and for the development of roads. An additional amount Rs. 600 crores was requested under the 2nd phase of ADB project. This grant will help in completing the work pertaining to drinking water supply and underground drainage system.

4) Underground drainage connection was provided to houses in Shivabagh, Shakthinagar, Jappinamogaru, Padil, Bajal and other places. The waste management unit and wet wells of Jappinamogaru have already started functioning.

Lobo’s next target is to set right the old underground drainage system and to provide underground drainage connection to areas left out in the 1st phase of the ADB project.

5) Solid Waste Management: Mangaluru has been made a city without any garbage bins and this has been achieved through door to door garbage collection. The next objective is to start the work of processing of waste at Pachanadi. The pros and cons of producing electricity through waste will also be considered in the near future.

6) Work has already been started in providing LED street lights for the first time in the city. In the coming days, the entire city will be provided with LED street lights in a phased manner. In the last 4 years, an amount of Rs. 4.60 crores has been spent to provide about 6,000 LED lamps in the city.

7) Lobo has been successful in getting a grant of Rs. 200 crores to Mangaluru, with an equal contribution from central and state governments under Amrith Project. This amount will be utilised to completely repair the underground drainage system at Old Bunder.

8) Construction of Modern Markets: The Bejai market in the city was in a state of neglect for many years. Now the market has been converted into a modern market area. Similarly, the Urva market was in a dilapidated condition and the same is being reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 1.17 crores. Alake Market is also getting renovated at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. Plans are in the offing to have a weekly market in the area like the Bikarnakatte-Kaikamba market.

The Kadri market will be renovated at a cost of about Rs. 16 crores and work on this will commence soon. The Kankanady Market will be totally revamped at an estimated cost of Rs. 41.50 crores. Urvastore market is being renovated at a cost of Rs. 26.50 crores. The flower market in Car Street is also being repaired. The central market is also under reconstruction under the Smart City Project. In the near future, steps will be taken to improve the markets in Shaktinagar, Bajal and Jappinamogaru areas.

9) Improving Crematoriums: Work on improving the burial ground of Nandigudda has already begun and it has been decided to install 8 new silicone basins at the place. The burial ground of Kadri is also renovated at a cost of Rs. 70 lakhs. The Boloor crematorium has electric crematorium. The Shakthinagar burial ground is completely modernised. The Bengre burial ground is being renovated at a grant of Rs. 35 lakhs. Apart from this, 6 more burial grounds will be improved at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.12 crores.

10) Homes for the Poor: A multi-storey apartment of about 930 homes is coming up in Shaktinagar for the poor.

11) Ashraya Homes: Providing title deeds to about 93 poor families who were staying in Ashraya homes in Rajiv Nagar Colony, Labour Colony and other colonies in the city without necessary documents.

12) Rehabilitation of Street vendors

13) Facilities for tailors

14) Solving problems of Dock Porters

15) Solving Power supply issues: Setting up the power supply substation in Bejai, repairing substation at Ekkur and new substation in Mannagudda.

16) Underground cabling work: Underground cabling has been done from A B Shetty Circle in the city up to Karavali Circle with a grant of Rs. 10 crores from Karnataka Government. For underground cable for other parts of city, Rs 182 crores is sanctioned by the state government.

17) MESCOM Committees: For the first time, division wise MESCOM committees have been set up to discuss and find a suitable solution to the problem of power supply.

18) Succeeding in bringing additional power supply substation supervisory office to Mangaluru.

19) Solving problems related to Fisheries.

20) Improving the Old Port.

21) Discussion in Lakshadweep with authorities for improving port activities.

22) Improvement of roads through PWD department.

23) Sanction of Old age Pension, Widow Pension and other benefits.

24) Providing Benefits worth Rs 32 lakh to 73 patients from Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

25) Improvement of the Wenlock Hospital.

26) Setting up six new Urban Health Centres along with the required medical staff to manage them. New Urban Health Centres has been established at Kasba Bengre, Ekkuru, Padil, Kadri Ladyhill, Shakthinagar, Bunder and Jeppu areas.

27) About 25 health camps have been conducted in the constituency in the last five years.

28) Developmental activities for the welfare of Minorities have been undertaken.

29) Development of Religious places

30) Establishing student hostels

31) Constricting new Community Halls

32) To empower the students of the minority community, the government has come up with Higher Education Scheme to enable them to opt for higher education abroad.

33) International standard swimming pool is being planned at Emmekere at an estimated cost of Rs. 16 crores.

34) Lobo has played an instrumental role in setting up 3 D Planetarium

35) Karnataka-German Multi skill development centre

36) Inclusion of Mangaluru in Smart City Project

37) Women and Child Welfare schemes and setting up an additional 6 Anganawadi Kendras.

38) Maintenance of law and order with no untoward incident reported from the constituency in the last five years.

39) Management of Storm water drains.

40) Development of Kadri Park, repairing the kid’s train and constructing a musical fountain.


His talent as MLA recognised, Lobo has been given many responsibilities by the government that include chairman of committee on welfare of backward classes and minorities, president of SC and ST Welfare Committee of Karnataka State Legislative Assembly, member of the Assembly’s NICE Corridor inquiry committee, Rajiv Gandhi Health University Senate member, member of the state Wildlife Committee, academy council member of Mangaluru University,
vice-president of Karnataka State Christian Development Board and president of the sub committee.


Some of the future initiatives Lobo plans to take up for city's development:

- River front development from Netravati bridge to Kannur National Highway

- Development of fisheries, old port, tourism, connectivity to Bengre and NMPT

- Connecting Kulshekar national highway through Kannur-Kannagudde

- Construction of railway underpass

- Development of stadiums

- Setting up International Sports Village

- Development of Markets

- Construction of Bus Stands

- Construction of Skywalk

- Expansion of the Airport

- Government Medical College

- Government Engineering College

- Metro Mono Rail

- Development of Tourism

- Increase the inflow of investment in Mangaluru in IT Sector.

- Encouraging Investment


Lobo's vision to develop Mangaluru into a smart city:

- Providing basic infrastructural facilities - construction of good and quality roads, footpaths and storm water drains.

- Improving the capacity of Thumbay dam, trying to ensure 24X7 water supply and improvement in collecting water bills.

- Providing vacant roadside places for parking.

- Providing modern and well segregated markets by rebuilding major markets in the city.

- Proper processing of the solid waste collected from Pachanadi and trying to generate electricity from this waste.

- Improving Kadri Park and make it an attractive destination.

- Reduce city's traffic congestion, implementing smart city project by adopting proactive measures.

- Completely stopping the flow of underground drainage in storm water drainage system, connecting areas which are not covered in the existing project and considering possibilities of processing and using underground drainage water for industrial use.

- Improving administration of Mangaluru City Corporation to ensure improved efficiency without causing obstacles to the general public.

- Providing modern and sophisticated private and government bus terminals to Mangaluru city. Also, construction of smart shops for street vendors in various parts of the city is planned.

- Improving underground water by ensuring renovation of lakes and setting up parks in the vicinity.

- Improving Wenlock hospital and converting it into a regional hospital. Ensuring full utilisation of the new building of the Lady Goschen hospital.

- Measures will be taken to improve infrastructure facilities at burial grounds in the city belonging to different religions and also at the places of worship.

- Creating better employment opportunities to the people of the city by measures such as encouraging inflow of more investment in various fields such as Information Technology, Tourism, and Industry and in the Education sector.

- Concerted efforts to improve the image of “Brand Mangaluru” with a view to attract more investment. No effort will be spared towards maintaining law and order in the city.

- Priority will be given to set up power supply sub stations, provide underground electric cabling in important junctions in the city and also work towards solving the power supply crisis facing the city.

· Steps will be initiated to set up Government Medical College and Government Engineering College in the city and priority will be given to provide technical education.

- Top priority will be given to improve infrastructure and other facilities in Government schools and colleges.

- Extra focus will be given to improve developmental works in the Fisheries sector and other basic infrastructural facilities, development of 3rd phase of the work of the Fisheries Port.

- Improve facilities at the old port, encourage arrival of more ships and improve trade and commerce with Lakshadweep Island.

- Empower women’s' self help groups and improve Anganwadi Centres.

- Steps will be taken towards making Green Mangaluru by improving green cover and also to improve cleanliness in the city.

- Work to set up Pilikula Development Corporation to improve Pilikula Nisargadhama.

- Work towards providing better facilities for customers at the Mangaluru International Airport.

- Plans are on the anvil to provide an International standard sports village in Mangaluru to provide fillip to sports activities along with setting up an international standard swimming pool.

- To foster communal harmony, improve basic facilities at all places of worship such as temples, churches and mosques.

- Setting up homes for the poor under Ashraya Scheme and extend a helping hand to improve healthcare facilities to the poor and the needy.


J R Lobo's holistic vision for Mangaluru's development and his clean image are going to be his trump card this election. His opponent, BJP candidate Vedavyas Kamath too has development as his agenda, but the dependence on 'Modi wave' may or may not work in his favour. As per analysts, though Dakshina Kannada has traditionally been a BJP stronghold, there is no anti-incumbency factor in Mangaluru South given the fact that most people are quite satisfied with the sitting MLA's performance. J R Lobo is confident that people's satisfaction with his work will translate into votes.

 

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Comment on this article

  • C.E.SALDANHA, Shivbagh, Kadri

    Wed, May 09 2018

    IF TRUTH PREVAILED AT THIS STAGE MR.J.R LOBO WILL COME BACK THE WINNER. IF LIES PREVAIL THEN GOD SAVE THE KING!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • PenMightierThanTheSword, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Hope Modi and Shah can learn at least a few lessons from JR Lobo!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shalini Lobo, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Hoping to see you as our P.M some time in future. You are the only genuine person among all the politicians . No matter which religion / community you belong to, people hold you in high esteem. Long live Mr Lobo.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • sathish shetty, siddakatte.

    Wed, May 09 2018

    More than Rahul and Sonia

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    ಜೆ. ಆರ್ ಲೊಬೊ.

    ಕೊಡ್ಯಾಳ್ಚೊ ಕಾಂಬೊ.

    ಲೊಕಾ ಖಾತಿರ್ ಜುಝ್ಚೊ ಕೊಂಬೊ.

    ಕೊಡ್ಯಾಳ್ಚ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಗೋಡ್ ಗೋಡ್ ಆಂಬೊ.

    ಆಂಮ್ಕಂ ಸರ್ವಾಂಕ್ ಕೊಕೊ ಆನಿಂ ಬೊಬೊ.

    ಉದಾಕ್ ಜಾಯ್ ತಿತ್ಲೆಂ ಮೆಳ್ತಾ. ನಾಕ ತೆಂಬೊ, ತೆಂಬೊ.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Vaajun Udhkaanth Naanchlo Bebo

    DisAgree [3] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    ದೇವ್ ಬೊರೆಂ ಕರುಂ ತುಕಾ.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Namaskaar Pranaam Thoomka.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Report Abuse

  • Anil, Dubai

    Wed, May 09 2018

    “Honesty has.... its ability “….

    DisAgree [1] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis Saldanha, Bahrain

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Mr. J. R. Lobo, a transparent politician always nearer to his people and meeting them to understand their problems and a well-disciplined personality too. Good luck to you sir,

    DisAgree [5] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robin, Byndoor

    Wed, May 09 2018

    @Raghavendra M K, Mumbai Maharashtra

    ಬಡವರ ಬಂಧು
    ಓಟು ಕೇಳಲು ಬಂದು
    ಬಡವರ ಸೇವಕ ಎಂದು
    ಹೇಳುವರು ಅಂದು ಇಂದು ಮುಂದು

    ಇವರಿಗಾಗಿ ಬಡವರು
    ಹುಟ್ಟತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ ಅಂದು ಇಂದು ಮುಂದು
    ಈ ದೇಶ ಬಡವರಿಂದ, ಬಡವರಿಗಾಗಿ, ಬದವರಿಗೋಸ್ಕರ

    ಮುಂದೆಯೂ ಬಡವರನ್ನು
    ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಲಲು ಇವರಿಗೇ ಓಟು ನೀಡಿ…

    DisAgree [5] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raghavendra M K, Mumbai Maharashtra

    Wed, May 09 2018

    dear robin, this is election time ow. accordingly Lobo sir is the better candidate than others. as per your wish and i also wish let our nation become rich and every citizen get sufficient food, house, cloth medicine and education. let s not fight each other on religious and cast line.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Dear Raghavendra M K, Mumbai Maharashtra.

    I too wish me and all get food, clothing, shelter, medicine education and all live in peace in India and all over the world.

    I remind the VHP, RSS, BD, for what they are fighting for only vegetarian???!!!

    Is our God exclusively Vegetarian.

    God has nothing to with Vegetarian, Non-vegetarian caste creed color religion.

    Congress worked hard to make dalits to identify as humans.

    NOW DALITS ARE LIKE US HUMANS CAN MOVE ANYWHERE IN INDIA.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • santhu BIRUVE, Mumbai/Udupi

    Wed, May 09 2018

    its easy to win this time..No doubt lobo sir is good candidate. BT due to Vedavya Kamat's simplicity and humbleness all GSB votes will flows to BJP which will lead neck to neck fight.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cyril, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    I have one suggestion to Mr. j r lobo & congress leaders.
    Recently I could see saffron shawls in congress rally which may cause damage to innocent congress voters while voting. (If these shawls are visible in congress booth definitely damage is sure)
    For me it looks like fox in a sheep clothing.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Wed, May 09 2018

    People do like to support any candidate who is clean,committed and the performer in the election because of trust he earned as MLA

    DisAgree [3] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bob, Udupi

    Wed, May 09 2018

    This is called Real Development without making any noise.

    You will be elected Sir, people know your works.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian Kannadiga, Coastal Karnataka

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Mr JR Lobo is a real role model works with utmost honesty and responsibility. A true leader, who is down to earth without any discrimination and questions the real issues in life. Best role model for the present youth of India, who must imitate him and develop such qualities. If so, there is no doubt in the next election, we will have many more such candidates in other constituencies as well. Well done and keep doing your good work for the people..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Declan, Mumbai

    Wed, May 09 2018

    JR Lobo - Honest, Humble, Capable and an Achiever. Wish him all the best to be victorious !

    DisAgree [5] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,,, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    People pls have a look at the new road from Fr.Muller to Morgnas gate then pls decide whom to vote.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Wed, May 09 2018

    He is better than RaGa anytime...the PM post aspirer
    In administration and intellectual capacity...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mr.Kumar, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Very able candidate.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [70] Reply Report Abuse

  • rhea, mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    We need such humble leaders.....whole mlore is with you sir..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Wed, May 09 2018

    J R Lobo believes all Gods are One ...

    DisAgree [10] Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ivar, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    I do not have any doubt on his intellectual capacity.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Even Modi cannot match J R Lobo in Development ...

    DisAgree [10] Agree [110] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashok shetty, Udupi

    Wed, May 09 2018

    He may be he is better than Rahul

    DisAgree [4] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohandas Kumar, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Shetre, better then Modi apuja

    DisAgree [3] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raj, Barakur

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Reply Super

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Report Abuse

  • Kiran Poojary, Udupi

    Wed, May 09 2018

    May be better than Nehru, Indira,Rajiv,Rahul,sonia ,priyanka...........

    DisAgree [6] Agree [7] Report Abuse

  • Narendra Monteiro, Kinnigoli , Darshan

    Wed, May 09 2018

    best of luck,

    Narendra Monteiro
    Kinnigoli

    DisAgree [5] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raghavendra M K, Mumbai Maharashtra

    Wed, May 09 2018

    BADVARA BANDHU.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • rahil, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    A true Gentleman.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • ray, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Development has been done by JL..should be reelected..not based on religion!!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [77] Reply Report Abuse

  • vijay, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    all work & no talk will give you a chance once again to develop mangalore.
    one of the cleanest cities and good quality of living mangalore has risen to new heights globally under your leadership.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • MP, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    All the best Sir. We pray that God give you strength, good health and courage. We are with you. Keep up the good work.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse

  • C.T. Thomas, Mangalore

    Wed, May 09 2018

    Mr, J.R Lobo is a very good and a capable individual.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [71] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stan, Udupi/Dubai

    Wed, May 09 2018

    True Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas neta, to be reelected for second term.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [83] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Mangaluru: Clean image, development work to be J R Lobo's trump card this election



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