Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 31: The general session of the City Corporation was held on Wednesday December 30. When the ruling and opposition members raised the issue of buildings in the city that have been constructed in contravention of building plans and other rules, the town planning officer expressed ignorance. “We are investigating. Process has been started,” was the only reply given by him.

Ruling party corporator, Navinchandra, drew the attention of the members to the fact that no parking lots have been provided for vehicles in Kunil Complex, Singapore City, Tokyo Market etc., which are located on dense traffic areas. He alleged that shops have been set up in places earmarked for parking, and that the Corporation has allotted door numbers to them. He sought a ruling in favour of evicting structures that have come up in violation of rules. He was supported by James D’Souza and Ganesh Hosabettu of his party and Navin D’Souza from the opposition. When mayor Shankar Bhat sought details, the Town Planning Officer expressed ignorance. The mayor then did not give his ruling.

The self-assessment property tax system has come into being, after the mayor gave it his preliminary sanction. The state government had proposed new rates, after making revisions to the recommendations made by a committee of experts formed by the City Corporation. The Congress members objected to the mayor’s action of giving his nod to the proposals without discussing the same in the general session. An objection letter in this respect was handed over by opposition leader, Harinath, to the Corporation commissioner at the meeting.

Former mayor, Shashidhar Hegde, pointed out that the Corporation officials have not been allotting door numbers to poor people and those who want to build smaller houses, even after the mayor had ordered them in the last meeting to do so through a ruling. Even after a heated discussion on the subject, no final decision could be arrived at.

The Congress members raised the topic of former mayor, Ganesh Hosabettu’s offer of resignation, in protest against the apathy of Corporation employees, and pointed out that this stands as proof of the failure of the Corporation administration. Hosabettu clarified that he had said so out of anguish, as the officials had not taken steps to evict illegal residents from Kulai, even after frequent reminders.

Deputy mayor, Rajani Duggnna, and commissioner, Dr Vijayaprakash, were present.