Rs.70 crore update for Kollur on the cards

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, June 18, 2015: The main and  major problem faced by the Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple surroundings  is the poor UGD - underground drainage system, which  accumulates filth and effluents all over even the riverbank.  River Souparnika is highly polluted as the discharge of effluents by all drains  is channeled to  the river.

Several lodges/hotels , Yatri Nivas and restaurants discharge sewage in to the river.

The district administration has come up with plans to introduce elaborate drainage system in the area ensuring pollution free surroundings. Apart from UGD, district administration has taken steps to ensure  development initiatives in the temple area and  Kollur village.

Udupi DC Dr R Vishal told media that plans have been chalked out to implement a better system in the area.  A Rs 70-crore project is envisioned, the preliminary works of Rs 4-5 crore will complete  in three months. The balance works of  Rs 65 crore may need  two years for completion.

The integrated sewage treatment plant with Underground Drainage and Sewage Treatment Plant is planned at a cost of Rs 24 crore.  The project is to cover the entire village. The proposal has received the clearance from Endowment Commissioner and is pending before the Cabinet for approval. Besides, integrated water supply scheme for the temple as well as the village is to be taken up.

The project cost is Rs 19.62 crore. The detailed project report (DPR) is prepared with five lakh litre per day capacity. The DC said DPR is submitted to Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Sewage Board.  The plans are approved by Endowment Commissioner. Currently the proposal is before the Cabinet, he added.

The temple will now have spacious kitchen-cum-dining hall with 65,000 sq mt length and width area. The estimated cost is Rs 21 crore and DPR has been approved by Housing Board Empowerment Committee.

The project will be a reality in another 18 months. The temple village will comprise of ring road covering ’bathing ghat’ on the banks of river Souparnika. The proposal taken up as part of beautification of the region will also comprise retaining wall for the river, bridge and road built at the cost of Rs 2.4 crore.

The plan proposal is approved by PWD chief engineer and the work is entrusted to Nirmiti Kendra.  In addition, a concrete road is planned from Shankaracharya Park to the main road at the temple. The project cost is Rs 54 lakh. A highly structured parking area is set up at temple premises at the cost of Rs 18 lakh. The work is on. Schools in the area and hostels are built at a cost of Rs 1.38 crore.

The DC said there are no issues with land acquisition for introduction of integrated water supply scheme and integrated sewage treatment plant. Though, there is short of 30 cents of land to set off UGD project, land owners are contacted for acquisition. Asphalt is planned in the temple area as there are advantages. He said methodical plan is introduced and charted accountant appointed for proper accounting.