Hopefully, Footpaths, drains in Mangaluru

Hopefully, Footpaths, drains in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 22, 2016: Mayor Harinath categorically stated that footpaths will be constructed on the Jyothi-Bunts Hostel stretch, Mallikatte, Circuit House, Kankanady, near KSRTC bus stand, Mangaladevi, Nanthoor and other locations. The lack of footpaths on several stretches has forced people to walk on the road. The funds available under the premium floor area ratio (FAR) will be used for the project.   The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) has decided to construct footpaths and drains at 11 locations in the city.

The mayor said that the Department of Urban Development has issued revised guidelines to the MCC on utilising the Premium FAR fund. The fund had not been utilized due to a technical glitch. Under the premium FAR clause, a builder can pay a fee to the MCC and can add extra built-up area to the building as per the provisions of zonal regulations of Master Plan II. Harinath said, "The MCC has nearly Rs 100 crore in its accounts, which was collected from builders under the premium FAR clause added in the Master Plan II for Mangaluru Local Planning Area. This has come into effect from 2009."

The mayor said that in the past, the MCC was directed to use the amount collected under Premium FAR on the road where the amount is collected. However, in the revised guidelines, permission has been given for the widening of important roads connecting the road from where the amount is collected.

MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer said the guidelines stated that the amount collected from the plots abutting roads that would be widened by other agencies such as PWD and NHAI can be used for widening the roads connecting the airport, sea port, railway station and major bus terminal.

This amount can also used for earthwork cutting and filling for road widening, construction of compound wall/retaining wall and reconstruction of buildings demolished, if any, for road widening.

"The guideline has also given provision for shifting of existing utilities such as water supply, UGD, power supply and telecommunication, construction of storm water drains and footpaths, construction of bus bays and reconstruction of bus shelter if any," the commissioner added.  Mangalureans are definitely hoping for the best soon.