Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 22: Parking problems and traffic signals were key topics at the general body meeting of Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) held on November 22, chaired by Prabhakar Poojary, President of Udupi CMC.
The meeting, attended by councillors, also addressed several other issues, including water concerns, CCTV surveillance installation, parking spaces, rabies vaccination, and more.
Yashpal Suvarna, MLA of Udupi, highlighted the vehicle parking problems in Udupi, particularly in Manipal and near the Udupi bus stand. He stated, “Vehicles are parked on the road at Tiger Circle. Hospital visitors park on the road, causing traffic congestion. No permission should be granted for roadside parking. A designated parking area should be identified in Manipal, and vehicles parked there for more than an hour should be charged. Hospital visitors should park in the hospital parking area to ensure smooth traffic flow. Additionally, the traffic signal timings need to be revised; the current red signal duration of 60 seconds and the green signal for 30 seconds is unscientific. The legality of auto stands in Udupi should also be checked.”
Prabhu D T, DSP, responding to the traffic issue, said, “Vehicle traffic is increasing, but the roads remain narrow. Many households own more than one vehicle, contributing to traffic congestion. Installing signal lights could help reduce traffic issues. As the number of vehicles grows, parking space is insufficient. If vehicles are removed from non-parking areas, the question arises: where to park them? I also support the installation of CCTV surveillance at junctions in Udupi. The department will check the legality of auto stands.”
Amrutha Krishnamoorthi, councillor, raised concerns about water scarcity, stating, “As the monsoon ends, water issues are becoming a concern. Additionally, footpaths are being dug for the water pipeline under the Varahi project without informing the councillors, which poses a safety risk.”
The delayed issuance of food licenses was also discussed. The concerned authority explained, “Food license issuance falls under the district commissioner’s office. Due to the vacancy in the Udupi office, officers from Mangaluru are handling the licenses, causing delays. A bill has been passed for appointing officers in Udupi.”
The issue of increasing stray dogs in Udupi was raised, with no action from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department. Dr Reddappa, Deputy Director, responded, “The department follows strict rules and regulations. Udupi does not have an Animal Birth Control (ABC) center, although a fund has been sanctioned for its construction. There is also a need for an ABC center with an operating theater for treatment. While 100% rabies vaccination has been carried out, there are no facilities to capture rabid dogs. The department currently has 357 sanctioned positions, but only 71 are filled, with 286 vacancies and 60% of the posts outsourced.”
Vijay Kodavoor, councillor, expressed concern over the declining number of cows due to the lack of veterinary doctors and proposed arrangements to treat injured cows. The veterinary department currently has 10 contract doctors, 8 ambulances, 8 assistants, and 8 drivers.
The unscientific construction of Babbu Swami Layout in Saralebettu was also discussed. The layout, which has three connecting roads, faces issues. One road passing through a private institution has been closed after the layout's construction, and the other two roads are not usable. The layout also faces water distribution problems, prompting a request for the construction of a water tank for storage.
Various other issues, including the funds required for developmental works in the district, were discussed during the meeting.
The general body meeting was attended by vice president CMC Rajani Hebbar, CMC commissioner Udaya Shetty, officers, staff and councillors.