MCC approves Rs 33.25 cr under AMRUT scheme

The Council of the Mangaluru City Corporation gave its approval for utilising Rs 33.25 crore under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme for developing water supply systems in Mangaluru.

Informing the special meeting of the council on Wednesday, MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer said that a sum of Rs 185 crore has been sanctioned under AMRUT scheme of which, Rs 2 core will be utilised for developing parks, Rs 4 crore for the construction of stormwater drains and Rs 55 crore will be used for rectifying UGD works in Surathkal.

In the second phase of ADB funded project, the government sanctioned Rs 218 crore for drinking water supply and Rs 195 crore for UGD works. To supply uninterrupted water to the city under Jalasiri project, an action plan for Rs 360 crore has been prepared. The fund from AMRUT scheme will be utilised for additional works related to water supply, the commissioner explained.

Earlier, Corporator Sudheer Shetty said that poor quality of works have been carried out in the first phase of ADB funded project. Even the Urban Development Minister has promised to carry out a CID probe into poor quality of works. Who will be responsible for the poor quality of works initiated? he asked.

He said it is better to take up permanent works with the funds available in AMRUT scheme. What was the use of getting 10 MLD water by spending Rs 33 crore? he sought to know.

Opposition leader of the Council Ganesh Hosabettu demanded a detailed discussion on the project and alleged that the meeting to discuss an action plan for Amrut scheme has been convened in a hurry.

Corporator Roopa D Bangera said that it is not right to implement the second phase of ADB funded project when there are loopholes in the first phase.

A heated argument ensued between corporators Ajeej Kudroli and Radhakrishna while discssing the UGD systems in Kudroli. Finally, Mayor Kavitha Sanil promised to visit the spot and rectify the problem.