Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 18: Former Karnataka Legislative Council member and former chairman of the Government Assurance Committee B M Farooq has urged chief minister D K Shivakumar to address several long-pending development and environmental issues in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts ahead of the proposed historic Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru.
In a letter to the chief minister, Farooq welcomed the decision to hold the Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, describing it as a historic and people-oriented initiative aimed at bringing the government closer to the people.
Farooq highlighted the need for improved connectivity between Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapur and Bhatkal, including the proposed metro rail project from Mangaluru to Bhatkal. He also urged the government to improve road and rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mangaluru and expedite tunnel and elevated road projects through the Shiradi, Sampaje and Charmadi ghats to address frequent landslides and traffic disruptions.
Expressing concern over environmental pollution caused by petrochemical industries, Farooq called for strict action to protect rivers, seas and public health. He referred to pollution-related concerns around MRPL and the need to make the water survey report public.
He also urged the government to address the sewage problems in Mangaluru, Surathkal and Ullal, where untreated wastewater is reportedly affecting drinking water sources. Farooq suggested including Ullal in the Mangaluru city corporation limits and redesigning its sewage and drinking water infrastructure.
The former MLC further raised concerns over the safety of underground petroleum storage facilities and pipelines in and around Mangaluru, calling for modern firefighting and emergency response systems.
Farooq also sought a comprehensive fisheries policy, relocation and modernisation of fishing activities at the old Mangaluru port, and development of coastal tourism in Bengre. He suggested establishing a Greater Mangaluru Initiative and a Mangaluru Agenda Task Force involving industrialists and stakeholders to coordinate development efforts.
He expressed confidence that the chief minister would consider the suggestions and initiate swift measures in the interest of coastal Karnataka's development.