BJP members in CMC flay move to form Greater Udupi

They say the concept is not viable owing to unavailability of resources to develop GPs that are projected in the proposal

The BJP members in the House opposed the formation of Greater Udupi incorporating the adjacent seven gram panchayath into Udupi CMC during the CMC meeting here on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, former CMC president Dinaker Shetty said the House would not be able to concentrate on the seven gram panchayaths, once it is included into the CMC limits. The Greater Udupi concept is not viable owing to the inconveniences and unavailability of resources to develop the gram panchayaths that are projected in the proposal. He added that instead, a town panchayath would be feasible comprising all the panchayaths involving Ambalpadi, Kadekaru, Keediyur, Kutpadi, Korangrapadi, Alevoor, 80-Badgabettu, Kutpadi and Udyavara, he added.

He also demanded clarification over the work order that is processed for the road repair works in the CMC limits. He added that the work order for the same is not being presented before the House for approval. The officials said that as many as five packages were designed for the road repair works. The tender is floated for four packages and the tender process for the fifth package in underway.

Shetty condemned that the foundation stone laying ceremony is done for the repair works without informing the ward members. The foundation stone laying ceremony is done for the works that are not presented before the House for the approval, he alleged.

Member Vasanthi Shetty said the weed cutter is not available and the cleanliness work in Ambalpadi ward is not taken up. She alleged that the health officer is inactive.

He said that the people, who operate weed cutter, die of cardiac arrest. Hence, the workers do not come forward to take up the job. She said the green power concept using the green waste would be a tough task, as the green waste management is not appropriately carried out.

The members irrespective of the party differences joined hands to condemn the act of public who dump the waste on roads. Member Janardhan Bhandarkar said stringent action should be taken against the people who do not give the waste to SHGs that are appointed to collect the waste. He said an awareness programme should be held in each ward under the leadership of the ward member. The committees should be set up at booth level and door-to-door awareness programme should be held. The issue of plastic bags thrown all over was discussed. The official said that the plastic bags below 40 micron are banned. However, traders continue to use the plastic bags below 40 micron. The issue will be dealt sternly, he added.

Dinaker Shetty demanded that the proceedings of each CMC meeting should be videographed. It would be easier in future, to glance at the matter if there are violations of Municipal Act. President Yuvaraj said it would also help to record the unruly behavior of the members disrespecting the House and the proceedings. He added he would take up the issue.

Commissioner Srikant Rao said the list of the homeless needy is being listed out for the verification over the need. There are many number of applicants from other districts and States, he said.

Earlier, the ruling party members demanded an apology from BJP Member Naveen Bhandari, for his unconstitutional behavior of snatching the agenda copy from the hands of Commissioner Srikant Rao. However, Bhandari declined to apologise and stood by his statement. He said there is no question of apologising, as he had done nothing wrong. The President said that the matter would be reported to Deputy Commissioner.