Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)

Mangalore, Jan 18: Disrict in-charge minister Krishna J Palemar on Wednesday January 18 announced a bonanza of development works in the district, including the laying of synthetic track at Mangala Stadium and contruction of footpaths on major roads.

Addressing reports, Palemar said that the administration will take up development works on a war footing, and apart from speeding up works that are already in progress, will introduce new ones which will give the district a facelift.

Rs 3.09 crore has already been sanctioned for the synthetic track at Mangala Stadium. The total cost would be Rs 8 crore, he said.

Besides the synthetic track, footpaths, better drainage facilities, better roads in rural areas and upgrading of lakes and religious centres are on the anvil, he said.

Elaborating, Palemar informed that 74 roads in rural areas will be built at a cost of Rs 4.89 crore. Rs 3.53 crore has been set aside for temples, mosques and churches, and Rs 5 crore for developing lakes, he said, adding that already, projects worth Rs 30.6 crore are in progress.

The bus terminus at Pumpwell will also come up soon, he said, stating that officials were busy with other activities and hence the project had to be delayed. However, for the time being, a make-shift shelter would be erected, as the design is yet to be finalised, he added. He brushed aside speculations over NHAI's opposition to the terminus and said that the work will go ahead.

The plan to give the city a facelift with the help of builders has met a roadblock due to the opposition from some quarters, he said.