Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 15: "If the municipality's excavator is not released before June 18, all councillors will gherao the police station,” said MLA Yashpal Suvarna at a meeting held by the Udupi city municipality council (CMC) on Saturday, June 15. The vehicle was seized by the police for demolishing an illegally constructed shed in the municipality area, following a confrontation between the driver and the shed owner.
Suvarna also added, "Let the sub-inspector do his duty, and we will do ours. If the Udupi police station does not act against all illegal shops and structures, we will leave our vehicle in front of the police station, making them understand our plight."
Addressing monsoon-related challenges, Suvarna stated, “The fire department, MESCOM, and the forest department must coordinate effectively during the monsoon. The fire service in Malpe and Udupi is inadequate, with only four fire vehicles currently operational. The relevant department should ensure additional vehicles and be prepared with rescue equipment.”
Regarding the forest department, Suvarna criticized the selective removal of tree branches, saying, “Branches with commercial value are being taken, while others are left on the roads. The department must remove dangerous branches and notify the municipality about tree-cutting activities. Trees planted during events like Vanamahotsava should be monitored to prevent future hazards.”
Suvarna also discussed the development of a new app for the MESCOM department, enabling the public to report issues in their area, facilitating timely follow-ups by MESCOM.
Addressing traffic problems in Udupi taluk, Suvarna highlighted the rising accident rates in Indrali, advocating for the installation of reflectors, temporary dividers, and proper traffic policies near school zones during peak hours. He pointed out that the temporary divider near Indrali Bridge is misaligned and needs correction. Suvarna called for the immediate removal of parked vehicles near MIT, Jayalakshmi, Venugopal temple, and other areas and stressed that buses should be managed to stop at designated bus stops rather than obstructing the circle near MIT.
Regarding the Varahi Project, Suvarna stated, “The project will only be allowed to continue after six months of monitoring by the city municipality, as any future issues will be the municipality's responsibility, despite it not being a municipality project.”
During the meeting, Suvarna warned the tourism department against diverting funds to other regions or departments, asserting, “Funds should be used solely for the development of municipality areas. Our revenue lands must not be handed over to other departments. Revenue from Municipality-built structures is going to other departments; we will strive to bring areas like the beach, Manipal Lake, and Beedingudde under city municipality control. The horticulture department should organize fairs in multiple locations to utilize public spaces and reach different customer bases.”
The meeting also noted that collected sludge will be reused as fertilizer, and tenders are being planned for waste disposal methods that prevent bad odours.
Rayappa, commissioner CMC, officials from different departments, councillors and others were present in the meeting.