DK district achieves 76 pc progress in Nagarothana Project

In Nagarothana Project (Phase-2), Dakshina Kannada district has achieved 76 per cent of physical progress and stood second in the State after Udupi which has achieved 99 per cent.

At a review meeting, chaired by District-incharge Minister B Ramanath Rai, at Deputy Commissioner’s office here, on Tuesday, officials said for the project worth Rs 34.74 crore, the government had released Rs 26.11 crore and Rs 24 crore has been spent for roads and drain improvement works at Bantwal, Moodbidri, Puttur and Ullal Town Municipal Corporations, and Belthangady, Mulki and Sullia Town Panchayats. 

Only in Mulki Town panchayat limits, all seven sanctioned projects have been completed. In seven ULBs, out of 54 projects 39 have been completed, 10 are under progress and five are yet to start.

In Puttut Town Municipal Corporation it is worst as out of six projects, four are pending and only one has been completed.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim came down heavily against Niketan Consultants, Bengaluru, which had to complete works 11 months as per agreement. This is happening because of global contracting system.

Senior officials of the firm never know the ground reality, he said.  Sullia Town Panchayat members also blamed the firm that they visit only during meetings and don’t attend the KDP meeting also. Nobody pick phone calls to hear the complaints.

Ramanath Rai suggested the firm officials bwe present at every ULB at least once in every three months and be in touch with president and members. He directed ULB members if they wanted any changes in the works, submit a memorandum to the district administration within a week.

Puttur MLA Shakunthala Shetty, Sullia MLA Angara, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Srividya, Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati were present among others.