Footpaths, roads, parking issues figure in pre-budget consultation meeting

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, January 25, 2019: Udupi CMC to take up basement-clearance drive; footpaths to be cleared of hawkers

Footpaths, roads, parking, and reduction of plastic, were among the issues that came up during the second pre-budget public consultation meeting organised by the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) here on Thursday. But only a few people attended the meeting.

C.S. Rao, president of the Udupi Senior Citizens’ Association, said there should be a straight road from Kukkikatte to the railway station. This would allow more city buses to go to the railway station. Presently, people depend on autorickshaws. Many footpaths were occupied by hawkers and were too high for the senior citizens to climb, he said.

Priyanka Mary Francis, Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Administrator of the Udupi CMC, said the proposal of the road would be looked into. Steps would be built so that senior citizens do not find it difficult to climb the footpaths. The footpaths would be cleared of hawkers so that pedestrians could walk on it, she said.

When Mr. Rao urged for a garden for senior citizens, Ms. Francis said already provision had been made for construction of a garden each in all the 35 wards. If necessary, the CMC would procure private land for it. The proposal of a garden for senior citizens would be considered, she said.

To a query, Ms. Francis said the Udupi municipality would take a basement-clearance drive in commercial complexes and other buildings as this would ensure parking space for vehicles there and reduce congestion on roads. Presently, in many buildings, shops had come up in basements. The municipality would take stern action against it, she said.

When S.S. Tonse, former councillor, brought up the issue of stray dogs, Ms. Francis said the municipality was reducing the dogs through animal birth control measures. To another query, Ms. Francis said there was a proposal to build quarters for migrant workers on private land.

Curbing use of plastic

On reduction of use of plastic in the city, Ms. Francis said creating public awareness was important than mere formulating and enforcing rules. Shops would be directed to use paper bags instead of plastic bags while packing goods, she said. Anand Kallolikar, municipal commissioner, was present.

Courtesy:The hindu