Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Feb 1: The general body meeting of Mangalore City Corporation was held at Mangala Hall,  Mangalore City Corporation on Thursday.

Heated discussions on encroachment of footpaths by small vendors dominated the meeting.

Corporator James D’Souza complained to the council that small vendors sell their products on the footpath in places like State Bank, near Lady Goschen hospital bus stand, because of which pedestrians cannot walk on the footpath.

In reply, MCC commissioner Dr Harish Kumar said that the MCC will not hold ‘Tiger' operation as it does not want to hurt the poor, but assured that the encroached footpaths will be cleared.

Corporator Mariamma Thomas said a building in Shakthinagar has encroached the MCC area by growing lawn, which was not acceptable as it is public property. The MCC commissioner said the issue has already come to the notice of MCC and the problem was being discussed with individuals concerned. "They are ready to give the encroached portion of land anytime," he said.

Corporator Shanker Bhat demanded to know why the revenue department had sanctioned installation of sign boards in the city. "When there is no proper footpath, how can the tender be sanctioned for a Bangalore-based advertising agency? Why was the matter not discussed in the council?" he demanded. Corporators Marriamma Thomas, James D’ Souza and Naveen D’ Souza supported him.

The council also held discussions on supplying street cleaning machines.

Corporator Harinath urged that a memorial should be built for the victims Mangalore air crash.

Major Gulzar Banu, deputy mayor Amitha Kala, MCC commissioner Dr Harish Kumar were present.