Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 30: The Udupi City Municipal commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi announced that the E-office system will be implemented within a week and will be fully operational within 15 days.
Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi, during the City Municipal council general body meeting held on June 30, said, “Through this system, if there is any delay or problem, the respective officials will be held responsible. It will provide details such as when the application was submitted and why it has been pending for many days. As a commissioner, I can easily monitor it. Every file received through in-word will be managed via E-office, which will benefit both the public and officials.”
During the meeting, several issues were raised by the councillors.
Councillor Amrutha Krishna Moorthi said, “Our Udupi city is developing, with road construction taking place everywhere. However, in Kinnimulki, for the last 15 years, around 10 houses do not have a proper road. During the construction of the National Highway, the existing city municipal road was demolished with a promise to reconstruct it. Later, it was stated that it is the municipality’s responsibility. I request the municipality to construct the road.”
Councillor Ramesh Kanchan highlighted the poor condition of the Udupi fish market. “Many fisherwomen run businesses there, and although there is a specific shed to cut and clean fish, it lacks proper facilities. Only three lights and two fans are installed, but none are functioning. Fisherwomen are forced to use mobile torch lights. The municipality must direct the tender holder to install proper lights if the tender has been passed.”
Ramesh also pointed out waste management issues. “Dry and wet waste dustbins placed across the city are not being cleared for weeks, and people are misusing them. In one place, even the dustbin has been stolen.”
Councillor Vijay Kodavoor raised concerns about water pollution. “Ammonium content from beauty parlours and medicines is entering wells and rivers, polluting over 520 wells. Ammonium pollution can cause birth defects and health issues. Although there is a rule that commercial complexes must treat water through STP plants, it is not followed. Wastewater is directly released into drains, reaching the Indrani and Swarna rivers.”
Responding to this, MLA Yashpal Suvarna said, “Issuing notices is not enough. Strict action must be taken. Authorities must treat everyone equally. When a small vendor makes a mistake, strict action is taken, but when big hotels do the same, they are let off silently. There are examples in Manipal where big complexes release wastewater into open drains. If they do not respond, cut their MESCOM connection.”
Ramesh Kanchan further raised the issue of wastewater from the KSRTC bus stop flowing onto roads through open drains. “Many have shared photos with us. When we inspected, officials said there is no link to the city municipal drainage system. The link must be created,” he said.
Vijay Kodavoor also criticised the municipal administration, stating, “When Lokayukta officials visited the municipality, the former commissioner was absent and did not respond even after returning two days later. Such irresponsible behaviour must be dealt with strictly.”
Municipality President Prabhakar Poojary replied, “The Lokayukta officials raided in connection with the former commissioner, who is currently the Authority of the Urban Development Authority. When I sent a notice to the municipality president, he sent back a copy after correcting it with a whitener.”
Responding to this, Ramesh Kanchan demanded legal action. “When officials make mistakes, legal action must be taken against them.” He also raised the issue of vehicles parked on both sides of the road from Syndicate Circle to MIT in Manipal, which is causing traffic congestion, and urged their immediate removal.
Issues related to auto stands were also discussed, including the increase of auto stands and their encroachment onto footpaths.
Responding to this, MLA Yashpal Suvarna said, “We have already held a meeting with the RTO officers regarding additional auto rickshaw permits. I urge the municipality to develop a by-law for managing the municipality region effectively.”
Vice president Rajani Hebbar, Councillors, officials and others were present during the meeting.