Rs 35 crore to prevent artificial flooding in Mangaluru: MLA D Vedavyas Kamath

MANGALURU: Mangaluru city South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath said the state government has released Rs 35 crore to revamp all major rajakaluves (stormwater drains) in the city.
He said revamping major stormwater drains will prevent artificial flooding in the city during monsoon. “Even moderate showers result in flooding at Kudroli, KS Rao Road, Chandrika Layout, Pandeshwar and other areas. Overflowing of stormwater drains leads to flooding at many places in the city. Restoration of all rajakaluves in the city may require Rs 200 crore. I am confident of getting additional Rs 35 crore in the next phase. The tender process has been completed and the first phase will begin within a month or two. Constructing retaining walls will prevent the drains from overflowing during monsoon,” he said at an interaction organised by Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists Association here on Tuesday.
“A sports complex with a mini swimming pool will be constructed at Urwa. The proposal has been prepared for the waterfront project in the riverfront areas in Mangaluru. Discussions are being held with private players to join hands with Mangaluru Smart City Limited to take up projects,” he said.
For the convenience of migrant labourers, the government plans to construct labour sheds in the city, Kamath said. “Majority of construction workers in Mangaluru are from other districts and states. The city has no sufficient infrastructure for migrant labourers to stay while they work in various sites. Hence, labour minister Shivaram Hebbar has promised to sanction funds for the project. Sites have been identified and a proposal has been submitted,” he said.
TDR Cell in MCC soon
A dedicated Transferable Development Rights (TDR) Cell to expedite the process of land acquisition for various development projects will be opened at the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) soon. The cell, which will issue TDRs to those who have given their land for development projects, will start functioning shortly.
“We have been facing difficulties in land acquisition due to delay in issuing TDR certificates to landowners, who surrender their lands. As a result, the implementation of projects gets delayed. Officials including a surveyor have already been appointed for the cell,” Kamath said.