Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 30: At the general session of the city corporation council held on Tuesday November 29, opposition members gave vent to anger at the third Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) prepared by Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) for the growth of the city, titled ‘Revised CDP – 2’. They questioned the rationale behind repeatedly modifying the CDP.

After prolonged discussions were held on the subject, and various corporators expressed their views, city mayor, Pravin, promised to hold a meeting of corporators and MUDA authorities within a week to enable them to sort out the problems.

Opposition member, Mariama Thomas, blamed MUDA of seeking 20-feet wide road in front of the houses of everyone approaching it for house building licence, and said it was impractical.  Lancelot Pinto and Navin D’Souza sought clarification about tabling the CDP for the third time during the last one year.  Congress member, Harinath, wanted to know who vested in MUDA the power to bring changes to CDP. He demanded for closing down of MUDA and questioned about the fate of the revenue generated by MUDA. Former mayor, Shashidhar Hegde, expressed the opinion that the changes in CDP appear to have been proposed under pressure from the lobby of builders. He wanted the officials to explain what changes they have brought about in the first and the subsequently modified CDPs. Some corporators accused the government of not taking into account modifications suggested by MUDA officials while approving CDP, because of the influence wielded by the lobby of local builders.

The issue of problems created by the pipeline that has been reportedly laid by MSEZ along River Netravati near Netravati Bridge with the tacit support of district administration, confirmation of services of civic workers, etc were also discussed.

Relating to a comment made by former mayor, Shankar Bhat, about Congress member, Harinath, in connection with repairs being conducted to the road at Kadri Park area, Congress members moved to the well of the house and held protest.  They accused Bhat of using derogatory language against Harinath.

Congress members, Shashidhar Hegde and Navin D’Souza, later expressed their party’s intention to move court against the modified CDP which they said, will heap woes on the common people.