Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 15: In a comprehensive review meeting, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed senior officials to ensure proper resettlement of stray dogs in designated areas, while also addressing forestry, health, AYUSH medicines, and red granite mining issues.
Presiding over the district-level quarterly KDP meeting at the Zilla Panchayat’s Nethravathi Hall on Saturday, Gundu Rao emphasised that stray dogs must be relocated to suitable sites in line with Supreme Court directives. “We must identify appropriate locations in both urban and rural areas and make arrangements for their permanent accommodation,” he said.
MLC Ivan D’Souza highlighted a recent incident in Kumpala, where a stray dog fatally attacked a local resident. He urged that the victim’s family receive proper compensation.
Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of Animal Husbandry, explained that while tenders have been issued for relocation agencies, no suitable sites are yet available. Officials also noted that stray dog populations are increasing near schools and public spaces, causing fear among children and parents. “Under rural development norms, Rs 5,000 compensation is provided for dog bites and up to Rs 5 lac in case of death,” Dr Shetty added.
Puttur MLA Ashok Rai raised concerns over delays in removing trees for the RTO track construction, despite a Rs 9-crore allocation a year ago. Although clearance orders were issued for acacia and eucalyptus trees, work has stalled.
Forest Conservation Officer Anthony Mariyappa stated that no new trees of these species have been planted since 2017–18 and 470 hectares have been cleared this year. MLA Bhojegowda urged the state forest department to fully remove the trees and allow fruit trees to be planted along roadsides.
Legislators criticised the managing director of MESCOM for repeated absences from meetings. Minister Gundu Rao instructed the Deputy Commissioner to issue a warning notice and take appropriate action.
At the meeting, ICU shortages at Wenlock Hospital were highlighted. District health officer Dr Timmayya assured that 76 new ICU beds would be installed in the new medical block. MLA Vedavyas Kamath raised concerns over expired AYUSH medicines being supplied to patients from Chikkamagaluru and Hassan via intermediaries. Gundu Rao directed a full investigation.
Officials noted that red granite prices remain high despite lower royalties, affecting construction projects. “Increasing the number of licences will help reduce prices,” they said.
Granite currently costs Rs 28–30 per unit, with transport raising it to Rs 60 in some areas. So far, 59 licences covering 28.93 acres have been issued, and 29 new applications are under review, with approvals expected within 10 days following joint surveys.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Dr Bharat Shetty, Harish, Bhagirathi Muralya Pratap Singh Naik, CEO G P Vinayak Narwade, police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, SP Arun Kumar, and nominated members.