Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 8: A joint proposal from all MLAs to rename Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru district will be submitted soon, said MP Capt Brijesh Chowta during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat on Tuesday, July 8. His statement came in response to a request by Beltangady MLA Harish Poonja.

MLA Poonja said there has been a long-standing demand to rename Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru district to align it with city-centric nomenclature like Bengaluru.

NHAI project updates

An official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) provided the following updates:

• Addahole to BC Road stretch: 96% completed, all flyovers open to traffic

• Periyashanthi to BC Road stretch: 73% completed

• Service roads: Of 12.62 km planned, 9.25 km completed

• Pending blasting work is expected to be completed by October, with overall project completion expected by January 2026

Kettikal drainage issue

Locals raised concerns about unscientific drainage work at Kettikal, where water from higher elevations is flowing into residential areas. MP Chowta directed deputy commissioner Darshan K V to convene a separate meeting with all stakeholders. NHAI officials said expert reports recommend constructing a cabin wall and undertaking bench cutting, with the cabin wall to be completed by December.

The MP also instructed NHAI officials to consult with the deputy commissioner before proceeding with further works.

Service road at Vamanjoor

The absence of a service road at Vamanjoor was raised. The NHAI official cited monsoon-related delays, saying construction would result in slush. MP Chowta attributed part of the delay to land acquisition issues and disputes near the Koragajja temple, which have now been resolved. Work will resume soon.

He also directed NHAI to:

• Ensure contractors maintain the Ganjimutt–Yedapadav road

• Fill potholes near the Kulur bridge

Illegal shops near the highway

Concerns were raised over unauthorised shops near the highway at Adyar, Farangipete, and BC Road Circle. MP Chowta instructed a survey and sought SP Dr Arun’s assistance in removing illegal vendors. A complaint regarding unhygienic conditions at shops near Pumpwell was raised, to which the MCC commissioner responded that the shops in question are licensed.

Railway developments

• Kaniyoor station: MLA Bhagirathi Murulya requested improvements

• Subramanya station: 70% work completed

• Bantwal station: Completion expected by month-end

• Kabaka station: MP Chowta asked for expedited roofing work

• Mulki station: Tender for platform 2 has been floated; work to be completed by December. Approach road will be developed post-monsoon

• Surathkal station: Work expected to be completed by September

MP Chowta expressed dissatisfaction that railway review meetings, mandated every three months, are not being held.

RTO issues

MP Chowta pulled up RTO officer Shridhar for failing to respond to correspondence regarding land for a regional driving training centre.

MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty called for a probe into alleged tampering with vehicle registration documents and underpricing of a luxury car. It was revealed that a vehicle bought in 2013 and later seized by a bank had been auctioned and re-registered in Udupi using old documents. The deputy commissioner asked the RTO to submit a detailed report.

Electric bus deployment

MP Chowta said Karnataka will receive 4,500 electric buses, with 100 allocated for Mangaluru City Corporation. However, land acquisition remains a hurdle.

Deputy commissioner Darshan said three locations—Pumpwell, Mudipu, and Thiruvail—have been shortlisted. Some MLAs objected to Mudipu due to its distance from the city.

MLA Vedavyas Kamath suggested using land opposite A J Hospital and relocating the KSRTC depot to Mudipu. MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty proposed using land in Thiruvail that was originally designated for housing but found unsuitable.

Plastic Park

The Plastic Park project is in its final phase. Road and water supply works are complete, and electrical works are ongoing. Plot allotments are expected to begin in September.

ESI Hospital

MLA Kamath called for a separate meeting to address concerns and upgrade the ESI Hospital.

Festival SOP concerns

Several MLAs expressed dissatisfaction over standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the police commissioner and SP for upcoming festivals.

MLAs Kamath and Dr Shetty agreed with some measures but opposed the 11 pm cut-off time for religious events, requesting an extension until 12–12:30 am. They also objected to the high cost of mandatory CCTV installation.

Other issues

MLA Dr Shetty requested repairs to the dilapidated village accountant office in Kavoor.

MP Chowta announced that a T-55 military tank, sanctioned by the central government, will arrive from Pune and be displayed at the Kadri war memorial before Independence Day.