Mayor’s Phone-in program addresses civic concerns in MCC

Mayor’s Phone-in program addresses civic concerns in MCC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 1, 2023: Sudhir Shetty Kannur, the recently elected Mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), took the initiative to host a phone-in program aimed at addressing the civic concerns of MCC residents on Saturday, September 30, from 11 am to 12 pm.

During the phone-in program, residents of Vamanjoor voiced their concerns to the Mayor. They complained about the distressing odor emanating from the White Grove Agri LLP factory located in their vicinity. Ms. Merita expressed her worry, mentioning that some residents were even experiencing nausea due to the noxious stench. Ms. Geetha pointed out that the factory’s generator was causing noise pollution, creating discomfort in the residential area. The callers urged the Mayor to conduct an inspection and take appropriate action against the factory.

In response to these concerns, the Mayor informed the callers that the issue had already been discussed during the corporation’s council meeting on September 26. This discussion was based on a memorandum submitted by Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharat Shetty, who urged the corporation to either relocate the factory to an industrial zone or permanently shut it down due to its location in a residential area. Following the debate, the council decided to establish a committee to assess whether the factory complied with all the conditions set by a technical committee appointed by the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada to mitigate the foul smell. The committee would comprise scientific experts, senior councillors from both ruling and opposition parties, NGO representatives, and local representatives. The committee’s findings would be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner for further action, the Mayor assured the concerned citizens.

Interestingly, it was revealed that J.R. Lobo, the former Congress MLA of Mangaluru City South and a former MCC Commissioner, is a partner in the mushroom company.

Another caller, activist G.K. Bhat, reported that street vendors near Lady Goschen Hospital area had occupied parking spaces, with some vehicles even parking on the footpaths. He requested their eviction.

M.P. Mallya from Surathkal complained about an apartment complex that was discharging sewage into the drains. The Mayor promised that the Zonal Commissioner of Surathkal would visit the location and take necessary measures.

Ramesh from Kulai reported a water leakage issue in an overhead water tank supplying water to about four wards at Honnakatte. The Mayor assured him that the problem would be addressed promptly.

In total, 23 calls were received during the phone-in program. The Mayor pledged to document all complaints in the form of proceedings and provide a report on the actions taken in the next phone-in program.