Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 23: Former MLA Mohiuddin Bava, has demanded expanding the smart city project even to Suratkal, without limiting it to the heart of the city.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, September 22, Bava observed that smart city project works are not being conducted in a systematic manner, and charged the people's representatives of squandering funds as per their whims and fancies.

He noted that when the project was started, it had been limited to developing areas around Hampankatta and Bunder areas. "Now other works including Pumpwell-Padil road have been undertaken. I demand the undertaking of development works in the areas located on the road between Suratkal and the city," he stated.

Noting that the government has paid compensation of Rs 5 lac to Umesh, a resident of Neermarga, who fell victim to the natural calamity. he demanded to increase the amount to Rs 10 lac. He urged the district administration to take up the repair of Umesh's house immediately and to pay compensation to the families of Kolanje Gulabi, Yamuna, Mahabal, and Mohnappa Poojary from Mangaluru North constituency, who faced heavy losses due to heavy rains. He also sought repair of Neermarga - Katinja connecting road which has suffered landslide due to heavy rainfall. He pointed out that drainage work has stranded halfway at Hosabettu Bailari areas to complete the work, duly blaming successive governments of neglecting the work as a result of which the people in the area face artificial floods. He pointed out that the connecting road to Kandavara has developed cracks at Kolambe and the road might fall apart any time. He wanted these works to be undertaken urgently.

Gurpur block Congress president, Surendra Kambli, and Suratkal backward classes unit president, Umesh Dandakeri, were present.