Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jul 5: District in-charge Minister, Dinesh Gundurao, instructed officials to complete their work before deadlines or face dire consequences.

Addressing the officials during the district quarter KDP meeting on Friday, July 5, at Netravati Hall, Mangaluru, Gundurao expressed his disappointment over the delay in the Valencia to Jeppu road construction. He mentioned that while a delay of a few months could be tolerated, delays spanning years were unacceptable.

Regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission, Ivan D'Souza voiced concerns about the delays, implying that the officials might be working against the government. The officials responded, stating, "The work started in 2019, and so far, we have completed 45% of the project. By the end of 2025, the project will be completed. The distribution of water will be made separately for each ward, benefiting the entire city and facilitating 60 wards."

The MLC further criticized the officials for not registering complaints about issues. Gundurao warned that the City Commissioner would be held responsible if the work was not completed on time.

Addressing the Ambedkar Nivas Yojana, Gundurao stated, "The works under Ambedkar Nivas Yojana have been pending, and the progress is declining in Karnataka, which is intolerable."

He congratulated education officials for achieving a 100% pass rate in the SSLC exams across the district.

Officials demanded more BCM Hostels for boys and girls, which would facilitate nearly 400 students. Gundurao and Mullai Muhilan assured them that necessary support would be provided.

Regarding the Department of Minority Welfare, Gundurao emphasized the importance of noting areas with significant minority populations and disseminating this information to everyone.

Commenting on the incident where two auto drivers were electrocuted, Gundurao said, "Heavy rain caused electrical wire damage, leading to the deaths of two people, making a total of three electrocution deaths this year. ELCB fuses are necessary to stop power when there is any disturbance in the wire. Due to officials' negligence, people have died. I appreciate the work that the Mescom department is doing now. Currently, there is a total of Rs 17 crore in the disaster management fund, and more funds will be arranged if needed."

MLA Ashok Kumar Rai expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the compensation of Rs 1,30,000 from NDRF funds for houses completely damaged by natural calamities is insufficient. He urged officials to assist in rebuilding houses and make necessary arrangements as the rebuilding process can take years.

Capt Brijesh Chowta, MP of Dakshina Kannada, expressed his sadness over Mescom's handling of issues, mentioning a Beltangady resident who lost his life due to electrocution. Despite raising complaints at Mescom three times before the incident, no action was taken. Gundurao agreed that such incidents were caused by infrastructure issues created by Mescom and emphasized the need to prevent them.

During the occasion, Gundurao distributed two-wheeler scooters to handicapped individuals.

Mullai Muhilan, deputy commissioner, Dakshina Kannada; Dr Anand Kumar, CEO of zilla panchayat; Anupam Agarwal, Mangaluru city police commissioner; Anthony Mariyappa, DCF; Padmavati, MD of Mescom, and other officials were present.