Umesh Marpally
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 4: Chaos erupted at the zilla panchayat general body meeting at Rajathadri, Udupi, on Saturday January 3 as ZP members boycotted the summit for a while.

Ananth Mavoudy raked up the issue of DC R Visha and said it was disrespect to the Panchayati Raj system and policies. He said that the DC was showing monarchy in the district and all ZP members and taluk panchayat presidents had unanimously condemned the attitude of the present DC.

The DC had insulted the Panchayati Raj system by saying, “District level authorities need not come to taluk panchayat level meetings”, at the meet held in Kundapur taluk panchayat.

In addition to this, the absence of revenue department officer and district level authorities like AC, DC, and Tahasildar, led to conflict.

Secondly, the Kasturi Rangan Report made a big noise among the candidates. Babu Shetty alleged that due to this report, the villagers of Kabbinale and Hebri are leading a fearful life.

Mavoudy said that the surveyors have used unscientific methods”. District administration should send an accurate report on Tiger Project and Kasturi Rangan separately. The report conveys 35 villages in the district. The members unanimously approved the rejection of this report,” he added.

Forest preservation officer Ravishankar said, “Being a member of the survey group, I can say there is no relation between the forest department and physical verification of land report.” He added that finally the submission of the report was up to the state government.

Thirdly, the unfinished Varahi project issue consumed more time. The official answering the media said that 90 percent of the left jetty canal was completed and the functioning of the right side canal had not yet tarted due to so many complications.

Srikantaiah and other project officials assured that by the end of the March 2015 they will release water to the district.

In adding to this, Ganpati Shriyan opined that the project was started on 1971, nearly 35 years ago. “The budget had crossed Rs 100 crore. Construction work is moving slowly. So, this will lead to heat among farmers,” he added.

A ZP member urged stern action against the clerk who forged the signature of panchayat PDO. The permanent water supply for Koraga community of Shankarnarayan, unethical new year party held near school premises and applications of CC camera were also discussed in the meeting.

Education officer Gopal Shetty Kundapur, National University for Education Administration, was felicitated during the meeting. He had received the national award for his dedicated service to ‘Innovative Elementary Practice’. The meeting was held under the guidance of Savith S Kotian, ZP president.

CEO Kanagavalli and Prakash Mendon, vice-president, zilla panchayat, were among those present.