JOIN USA team of two researchers of Bloomberg Philanthropies, a charitable organisation had visited Mangalore City Corporation as a part of their work of selecting cities for Smart City project of the Central government.
MCC Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati introduced the city corporation to Alex and Shruthi, the team members, which was followed by an interaction session.
They wanted to learn about the city to submit a report to the Prime Minister and in the process it would help in knowledge sharing.
Corporator Prameela said the city is facing problem is tax collection. The corporation has introduced e-tendering, computerisation and various methods, but it fails to reach the estimation.
Additional technologies would help in filling the gaps. The three-phased garbage collection system introduced by the corporation can be model for others.
Another official said that the environment of City is a cause for concern. There used be
development in infrastructure and communication. The under ground drainage (UGD) system should be developed. The city has vehicles, half of its population.
So, there should be a sophisticated parking facility, he said. Few wanted development of tourism and one of the members wanted IT park in the city.
Naveen D’Souza said Mangaluru is not a well-planned city and he wanted roads and footpath.
As the revenue of the MCC is less, Central government should release more funds, he said.
Most of the corporators remained didn’t participate in the interaction, in spite of Commissioner’s motivation.