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

Mangaluru, Dec 5: Senior Congress leader Suresh Ballal on Monday December 5 took charge as the chairman of Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) at the MUDA office here.

Addressing reporters after taking charge, Ballal said, "The previous chairman had undertaken the project of setting up two layouts in Chelarpadavu and Deralakatte. The issues in land acquisition will be cleared shortly. Once the issues are cleared, we will complete that project.

"Another project is construction of Urwa market for which foundation stone was laid a few days back. The musical fountain at Kadri will also be completed at the earliest. Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo is highly enthusiastic about this project.

"I have planned to plant saplings on dividers. The work will be sponsored by the horticulture department. Mangaluru is growing at a fast pace and planting saplings will enhance the beauty of the city. Our MLA Lobo has already held talks with IT companies and other industries in Bengaluru. He has invited them to start companies here in Mangaluru and will provide all the facilities to the companies that come here. There is a proposal to build multi-storey parking facilities too," Ballal said.

"I never tried to become the chairman of MUDA, but now I have been given an opportunity to serve the people and I will definitely do my best. I thank the district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai, MLA J R Lobo and all other MLAs of the district for supporting me in this regard."

Congress leaders Vishwas Das, T K Sudhir, Ramananda Poojary and others were present.