Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 6: Udupi district deputy commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha, has issued an ultimatum that if the national highway (NH) work is not completed within the deadline, then the company’s contract will be terminated.
The DC said the statement during an interaction with media held at Udupi Press Club here by the district journalists Association on Tuesday, November 5.
“A meeting was conducted with regard to the NH road execution delay with MP, MLA, Navayuga company officials and the general public on Monday at DC's office. During the meeting, NH authorities promised that by January 15, Padubidri NH work and by March-end Kundapur flyover work would be completed,” the DC said. He added that the company has been asked to complete Padubidri bridge by January 15 and Shastri Circle flyover at Kundapur by March end next year.
“As per the tender notification, company can collect toll only after finishing 75% of work and if they fail, toll collection should be stopped. Accordingly, if the company fails to keep-up its promise, their contracts could be terminated. This will be considered as a last warning,” the DC added.
The DC further said that the district superintendent of police (SP) has made a special report and has handed the same to NH officials. The SP in the report has highlighted the need of facilities such as street lights, drainage system and other aspects which cause accidents in the NH area.
He also spoke on the parking issues that arise time and again in the city. “Most of the buildings in the city have no parking lots. Henceforth, every building should compulsorily have parking space. The area earmarked for parking should not be used for any other purposes. If people violate the rule, this offence is punishable. Steps are being taken to install smart traffic lights in Udupi under PPP model,” he added.
Regarding Kannada Rajyotsava which was organized at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Ajjarkad instead of Beedinagudde on November 1, the DC said, “There is public opinion that Beedinagudde is in outskirts of the city and surrounding areas are not clean. Henceforth, all the national festivals will be conducted in the said stadium. Precautions will be taken on safeguarding synthetic track there,” he said.
There is a plan of improving Beedinagudde ground as a stadium and district needs a cricket stadium and is currently zeroing on suitable land, he said.
The DC answered to the question on lack of space for waste segregation in panchayat limits. “We have sanctioned lands for more than 40 panchayats. There are 4-5 proposals, which are yet to be sanctioned. Government land is to be identified for 158 GPs for the waste segregation,” he said.
He said that there is a proposal to implement bio-mining system which has been successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu to tackle problem of waste disposal in the city. "In this system, plastic found in the garbage is recycled, and remaining waste is converted into manure and other waste is used for landfill. A firm from Tamil Nadu had visited the waste disposal unit at Karvalu in Alevoor gram planchayat to get information," he clarified.
On the issue of complaint on shifting of bus operations from old bus stand to new bus stand at Karkala, DC said that, he has examined the case and he will ensure that he will find a proper solution.
On the issue of enforcing the plastic ban, DC said, “The district authorities, who conduct raids on small and petty shops, have ignored shopping malls. If it is found necessary, we will be more aggressive in enforcing the ban," he asserted.
Responding to the complaint raised by a journalist regarding drainage pit located in the midst of Padubidri town, the DC assured to take measures to shift the pit.
Ganesh Prasad Pandelu, president of Udupi District Working Journalists Association, presided over the programme.
Kiran Manjanbail, state working committee member, Santhosh Saralebettu, general secretary, and Diwakar Hiriyadka, treasurer, were present.