Srirangaiah takes charge as Chikkamagaluru DC

KM Srirangaiah has succeeded G Satyavathi as the new deputy commissioner of Chikkamagaluru. Sathyavathi has been transferred to Kolar.

She greeted Srirangaiah upon assuming office on Monday. On the occasion, an emotional Satyavathi said that she had many plans for the district, including a scientific plan to solve the traffic density at  Bababudangiri. “I am hopeful that the new DC will successfully complete the unfulfilled projects,” she added.

She said that her stint in Chikkamagaluru district has been satisfactory. At least two years are needed to understand the problems of a region and to solve them, she said.

“A project, worth Rs 10 crore, has been drafted for upgrading the Ratnagiribore park. An action plan is ready. I have tried my best to address the problems of the less privileged. I cannot forget the instance of providing rehabilitation to a person who was waiting for 17 years, taking measures to protect a six-year-old boy in Kadur who had burn injuries and also finding the missing files,” she said.

She said that there is an acute shortage of officers in various departments in the district. Many offices which come under the jurisdiction of Chikkamagaluru district are spread in Hassan, Shivamogga, Bhadravathi, Karkala and Udupi. Though they are not directly controlled by the district administration, an appeal has been made to the government to rearrange the offices, she explained.

An integrated project has been drawn for the district. A detailed project report is being prepared by KUWSLP. It has been decided not to give permission to new homestays in the district.

Even after repeated warnings, some homestays are not registered with the Tourism Department. They will be served notices as decided in a meeting, she said.

Sathyavathi said establishments have been illegally built on I G Road, M G Road and other places. Parking space is being used for other purposes. Hospitals are built after getting licences for houses. Action has been taken to control such illegalities, she added.

She recollected that stringent action has been taken to check illegal sand transportation. The right to impose penalty has been given to the superintendent of police. The registration of the vehicles used for illegal transportation was cancelled up to three to six months. This model is now being followed by Uttara Kannada, Gadag districts and also in Andhra Pradesh, she said.

Satyavathi said that she has directed the Labour and Child Welfare Departments to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. A meeting of coffee planters was also conducted in this regard, she said.

“The government has announced a package for Maoists who come to the mainstream. Some have come to the mainstream while the rest should also follow the suit,” she added.