Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, May 3: MP Kota Srinivas Poojary on Saturday directed officials to prioritize the completion of national highway (NH) projects passing through the district and to ensure that all pre-monsoon works are carried out promptly.

Presiding over the district development coordination and monitoring committee (DISHA) meeting at the DC office complex, the MP emphasized the need to reduce accidents by preventing the unnecessary parking of lorries and other vehicles along the highways. He noted the rising number of accidents and instructed the district administration to raise public awareness regarding road safety in accordance with Supreme Court orders.

Infrastructure and utility concerns

The MP highlighted several specific projects that require urgent attention, including resolving issues at Kundapur Sangam Circle and Kalmadi bridge, and completing the Arati Mullikatti bridge work.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay in providing door-to-door gas connections—a project pending for 10 years—Poojary questioned the representatives of the gas supply agency. He set a deadline of June 15 to complete the pipeline work and commence supply. Additionally, he addressed complaints regarding the loss of BSNL signals during power outages and demanded an immediate solution.

Water supply and sanitation

While Jal Jeevan Mission pipelines have been laid, the MP instructed officials to identify water sources to ensure supply. He also called for the prioritized completion of multi-village scheme (MVS) drinking water projects. During the discussion, legislators complained that water was currently not reaching several areas.

To tackle cleanliness issues, local authorities and panchayat development officers (PDOs) were directed to take strict action against those dumping solid waste along roadsides.

Health and other issues

Ayushman scheme: Addressing complaints that private hospitals delay treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the MP asked for an emergency meeting with hospital representatives to ensure priority treatment for emergency cases.

KUSUM scheme: Poojary called for the speedy implementation of the KUSUM scheme, noting a conflict between the DC and DFO over whether certain allotted lands fall under the 'deemed forest' category.

Railway connectivity: He stressed the need for land acquisition to widen the narrow access road to Indrali Railway Station. He also took note of reports regarding parking issues at the station and directed officials to organize a meeting to implement a system for filling water in trains.

MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Gururaj Gantihole, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK, and ZP CEO Prateek Bayal were present.