Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 28: Administrative approval was obtained to build deputy commissioner’s office complex at Padil in 2014. As there was litigation in Chennai green tribunal over cutting of trees and handing over of forest department land, the housing construction board began the work in March 2018.

Initially, the project was estimated to cost Rs 41 crore. Later, the same was increased to Rs 55 crore. The first phase of the project was supposed to get over on September 16, 2019. Out of the Rs 55 crore for the first phase, Rs 51 crore is released to the contractors. Majority of the building, doors, railing work is over. In order to complete the project as estimate of Rs 29 crore is submitted to the government one-and-half years ago. But it is still not approved.

Because of no approval, it is not possible for the contractor to continue work. Only four to five labourers are doing work for namesake. In March 2020, MLA Umanath Kotian and in February 2022 district in-charge minister V Sunil Kumar had visited the site and inspected the progress of work. However, the work that needs to be done by the government is going on at snail’s pace.

In the second phase, finishing, power supply, electrical work, Ashoka pillar on top of the building, two elevators, air-conditioned hall, furniture, cable network, painting and development of drain for rain water, compound wall and interlock of the whole campus needs to be done.

Vijayakumar, AEE, Karnataka housing board, says, “The first phase work of DC’s office complex is 95% complete. We have submitted estimate of Rs 29 crore for the second phase work to the government. If the approval is given, then the work will get over in eight to 10 months.”

Hanumantha Kamath, social worker, says, “The government should have completed the work of DC’s office complex on time. Works that are not important are given grant of crore of rupees, while necessary project like these are kept pending. The remaining grant should be released before elections.”