Minister for retaining green cover on Lalitha Mahal road

It seems urban development minister S Suresh Kumar is in favour of retaining green cover on the controversial Lalitha Mahal road in the city.

The minister who was on an inspection spree in the city, said that he wants to take up development works retaining existing trees to the maximum. He said that the government is yet take a decision on felling trees, although a court has ruled in favour of the competent authorities over the issue.

On new plans, the minister said starting from Maharanapratap Singh Circle a dedicated lane for bicycles would be developed on the left side between the trees and footpath.

Raja Marga

Earlier, he took stock of ‘Raja Marga’ works on Albert Victor road between Hardinge Circle and Statue Circle (Chamaraja Wadiyar circle). However, what irked him was the quality of concrete bricks used by the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) the implementing agency.

Having doubts about the durability of the construction material, the minister himself conducted test on the spot- dropped the brick from the top and found his apprehensions true as the brick broke into pieces. Peeved over the same, he summoned assistant commissioner Anantha Padmanabha who was also among the posse of officers accompanying the minister. As the officer struggled for words, the minister asked the commissioner K S Raykar to initiate action against the Hyderabad based company that had supplied bricks.

The minister also inspected Town Hall grounds where the corporation has plans to construct a multi-level parking facility, besides an amphi-theatre to facilitate tourists with entertainment related programmes.

For Dasara, the minister said that the civic body has plans to introduce bicycles for the benefit of tourists, who belong to the interested lot to explore the city by pedalling their through.

Mayor Pushpalatha Chikkanna, deputy mayor M J Ravikumar, Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) chairman L Nagendra, superintending engineer Mahesh and others were present.