‘Mangaluru District’ renaming proposal: Decision taken at DISHA meeting; to be submitted to government

Mangaluru, July 8, 2025: The proposal to rename Dakshina Kannada district as "Mangaluru District" was discussed at the Dakshina Kannada District Development Coordination and Monitoring (DISHA) Committee meeting. It was unanimously decided to send a joint proposal by local MLAs and MPs through the Deputy Commissioner to the state government.

The proposal was raised by Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja during the meeting chaired by MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta. He argued that just like Bengaluru has gained global recognition, so has Mangaluru, and hence the district should be renamed accordingly.

All present MLAs and MPs agreed to submit this joint resolution taken during the DISHA meeting to the state government.

Demand for Elephant Camp at Nidigal

With the rise in elephant and wild animal attacks in Sullia, MLA Bhagirathi Murulya questioned what action had been taken. Officials informed that elephants had been relocated from Dubare camp and containment efforts are ongoing at Kanakamajalu. MLA Bhagirathi pressed for special grants for solar fencing and trench work.

MLA Harish Poonja supported the idea of establishing an elephant camp at Nidigal to help control elephant attacks and also boost tourism. Bhagirathi added that a monkey park could also be set up there.

Social Security for Fishmeal Workers at MSEZ Urged

MLA Umanath Kotian emphasized the need for ESI, PF, and other social security benefits for fishmeal workers operating inside the Mangalore SEZ (MSEZ). Since officials require special permission to enter the SEZ, MLA Vedavyas Kamath urged the concerned authorities to provide a report on the social security coverage of all fishmeal workers across the district.

Fill Potholes on National Highways

Dr. Bharath Shetty highlighted the presence of dangerous potholes on national highways in places like Honnakatte and Kuloor and demanded that the highway department address the issue promptly.

Nominated member Rajeev Shetty raised concerns about unauthorized constructions, shops, and waste dumping along roadsides in Kuloor, Suratkal, Panambur, and Adyar. Supporting this, MLA Umanath Kotian said the highway department must prevent such violations from the beginning to avoid future problems.

MP Brijesh Chowta directed highway and police officials to initiate action to clear encroachments on national highways.

Kettikal Retaining Wall Flawed

Nominated member Rajeev Shetty criticized the retaining wall built in Kettikal, calling it unscientific, as it led to more landslides this year. He also raised concerns about drainage water flowing into homes and temples below.

Officials responded that experts from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) had inspected the site, and based on their suggestions, NH authorities have begun slope stabilization and protection work.

Pollution of Nandini River at Khandevu

Rajeev Shetty voiced concerns about sewage from a nearby medical college and the Chellyaru STP contaminating the historically significant Nandini river at Khandevu. He noted that despite petitions submitted to five Deputy Commissioners since 2016, the issue remains unresolved.

MLA Umanath Kotian criticized the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board for merely issuing notices and demanded strict action against Srinivas Medical College for ignoring the problem, even suggesting its closure if they continue to neglect environmental norms.

City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak said the old STP had electrical issues and a new 500 kVA tender has been floated. Vegetation has been cleared from the area, and ₹100 crore is needed to build a new STP.

Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. assured that earlier officials had already taken steps and promised a detailed review and site visit if necessary.

T-55 Military Tank to Arrive in Mangaluru Soon

A 70-tonne T-55 military tank will soon arrive in Mangaluru from Pune for public display. MP Brijesh Chowta announced that the tank will be exhibited near the war memorial close to the Circuit House. Transportation is expected to cost around ₹1.5 lakh.