Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jul 20: Mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Harinath on Wednesday July 20 announced a slew of development works in the city limits, foundation for which will be laid by urban development minister Roshan Baig and district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai on July 24.

Addressing media persons at his MCC office here, Harinath said, "Foundation stone will be laid for the construction of dining hall in Town Hall premises at a cost of Rs 99.85 lac, construction of markets at Alake and Kavoor at a cost of Rs 1 crore each, and development of Kavoor junction at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore along with the construction of a public toilet at a cost of Rs 12 lac. A night shelter for the homeless at Bunder constructed at the cost of Rs 99.80 lac will also be inaugurated the same day.

"There were some obstacles to utilize in premium FAR (floor area ratio) fund. As we had requested the urban development minister to take action in the matter, now revised guidelines have been issued by the urban development department. The premium FAR funds will be utilized for the construction of footpaths and drains in major roads in the city like Balmatta, Kankanady, Circuit House road, Bunts Hostel road, Mallikatte, KSRTC and development of many other roads."

"Construction of vented dam at Thumbay is in the final stage. We will decide about land to be acquired for the vented dam by taking farmers into confidence. In the initial stage the water will be stored for 5 meters which would require us to acquire 53 acres. A meeting will be convened with the farmers under the leadership of district in-charge minister. Only after taking farmers into consideration will a decision be taken," he said.

Health committee chairman of MCC, Kavitha Sanil said, "According to the survey conducted in 2015, there are about 339 houses which do not have toilets in the corporation limits. All these houses will be given grants for construction of toilets. About 34 public toilets will be constructed in various important junctions in the city.

"It has been decided to announce all 60 wards of Mangaluru City Corporaton as 'open defecation-free' on August 15. So we request all the citizens of Mangaluru to join hands with the city corporation in this mission and those households which do not have toilets are requested to submit the applications before August 13. Thereafter if any one is seen defecating in open then public can complain about the same by calling 0824-2220306 or 2155133," she added.