UD Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah reviews performance of MCC, MDA
Mysuru: Urban Development Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah directed civic officials to prioritise cleanliness and civic infrastructure, stressing that Mysuru must retain its reputation as one of the cleanest cities in the country.
Chairing a review meeting with officials of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) in Bengaluru yesterday, the Minister said, cleanliness assumes greater significance with Dasara festivities attracting visitors from across the country and abroad.
He instructed officials to ensure proper implementation of UGD projects, effective waste segregation and regular maintenance of public spaces.
MCC rentals
Addressing the controversy over the steep hike in rents for MCC-owned commercial properties, Dr. Yathindra said that a tenfold increase at one stroke would place a heavy burden on tenants and asked officials to review the revised rates.
MCC officials explained that rents had not been revised for nearly three decades and the new rates were fixed at only 40% of the rates prescribed by Public Works Department (PWD).
The Minister also expressed concern over the discharge of sewage into lakes and directed officials to take immediate measures to divert or treat wastewater before it enters water bodies.
Civic workers welfare
Highlighting the welfare of civic workers, he said, all benefits earmarked for them should reach the intended beneficiaries.
He emphasised that 24.1% of the grants should be utilised for educational support to the children of civic workers, including reimbursement of school admission fees. Officials informed that a portion of the grant was already being spent on workers’ welfare and related facilities.
White topping and asphalt
On infrastructure development, officials said, 40% of road works being undertaken in city involve white-topping, while the remaining 60% comprise asphalt roads. White-topping works are currently underway on Bogadi Road, Manandavadi Road and other major stretches.
Dr. Yathindra also expressed displeasure over the absence of meetings of the Urban Development Authorities during the past six months and directed officials to hold monthly review meetings to avoid delays in providing civic amenities. Officials further informed the Minister that 158 houses constructed under ‘Gruha Bhagya’ housing scheme for civic workers had been completed and were awaiting allotment.
DC G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, MCC DC (Revenue) G. Somasekhar and officials from PWD and KUWS&DB attended the meeting.
No takers for expensive CA sites
The meeting also discussed issues relating to Civic Amenities (CA) sites allotments by Mysuru Development Authority and other Urban Development Authorities across the State.
Officials said, demand for CA sites had declined at current rates as many allottees consider the land prices to be exorbitant. Taking back sites where allottees had failed to construct houses remained a challenge, officials noted.
Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy suggested imposing penalties and providing one final opportunity to site beneficiaries, subject to Government approval.
