Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, May 31: In response to mounting public grievances over delays in the Single Layout Plan (SLP) approval process, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary on Friday directed officials of the Udupi Urban Development Authority (UUDA) to resolve all pending issues within 15 days.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Rajathadri District Office auditorium in Manipal, MP Poojary expressed concern over the sluggish processing of SLP files and Form 9/11 applications, which has reportedly obstructed house construction and development works across the region.

The MP noted that despite a government circular permitting layout approval with a 6-meter road margin, thousands of files remain pending due to official apathy. He warned that such delays are unacceptable and insisted on the clearance of all backlogged applications within the stipulated time.

Poojary further instructed that in municipal areas where road widening is not feasible, the minimum required margin of 3.5 meters must be adhered to as per government rules. He also came down heavily on the alleged interference of middlemen in the approval process and called for strict action to ensure transparency and public convenience.

MLA Yashpal Suvarna highlighted the enormity of the issue, stating that over 11,000 applications are pending at the Urban Development Authority and emphasized the need for urgent intervention.

MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi raised concerns about the hardships faced by applicants from distant areas like Kundapura and Byndoor, who are forced to make repeated visits to the authority office. He urged officials to be more responsive to the public.

Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty echoed the sentiment, warning that such bureaucratic delays were damaging the image of both the administration and elected representatives.

Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal directed the UUDA to give priority to files with recommendations from Gram Panchayats and to avoid inconveniencing applicants, particularly those coming from remote locations.

In response, the assistant director of the authority assured the gathering that all pending files would be processed within 15 days after fixing road margins and securing approvals from the Public Works Department.

The meeting saw the participation of Udupi CMC president Prabhakar Poojary, Urban Development Authority President Dinkar Heruru, City commissioner Mahesh, and officials from the public works department, Panchayat Raj Engineering, and various municipal and taluk-level bodies.