Mangalore: 'Development Issues' - City Corporation Session Turns Damp Squib
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 1: The monthly session of the City Corporation held on Friday October 31, decided to regularise building plan violations not in excess of 10%, by issuing completion certificates to them. It was decided to follow this norm, till rules and regulations about such violations are finalised by the Corporation.

Both the ruling and opposition corporators wasted most of the session's time by resorting to mud-slinging on the issue of development.

Mayor Ganesh Hosabettu announced that water connections drawn illegally from main pipelines will be severed with immediate effect. He also assured, that the water supply to all the parts of the city will continue to be maintained at the normal level without any shortfall.

Several corporators said, that the Corporation officials had turned a blind eye to cases of drawing water from the main pipelines against rules. The mayor said, that wooden planks have since been fitted to increase the level of water at the Tumbe vented dam, for enabling the Corporation to supply water to the city residents without any hitch.

Opposition leader Harinath raised his voice to complain about improper water supply, non-availability of Corporation officials for taking up grievances, improper garbage disposal, ineffiency of the health department, bad roads, building licences etc., "In the last session, the commissioner threatened to walk out of the meeting. If he so wants, let him go," he said. His verbal tirade was cut short by the ruling corporators who objected to his behaviour. The mayor said, that a notice has been issued about the irregularities, to the assistant health officer of the Corporation. Corporator Mariamma Thomas complained about the terrible stench exprienced all over the city, caused by the garbage disposal resorted to during the day, in violation of the rule that makes it compuslory to clear the garbage only at night.

Congress corporator Navin D'Souza wanted the pre-condition about past experience to be recmoved from the tenders floated for works amounting to Rs 50 crore. The mayor said, that the contractors concerned may submit their tenders and a final decision on the clause relating to past experience can be taken later.

The opposition members resorted to walk out of the session some time after the tea break, raising slogans against the Corporation administration. The mayor termed this action as 'escapism' while ruling members said that the opposition members are fleeing, being unable to appreciate the development works taken up by the Corporation. The session saw repeated interruptions, threat to hold dharna in front of the mayor's chair etc.