Heated exchange at Mangaluru City Corporation meeting over housing sites
In a confrontational General Body Meeting of the Mangaluru City Corporation on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Praveen Chandra Alva raised concerns about the alleged lack of distribution of housing sites to applicants during his six-year membership.
Alva directed his criticism towards local legislators, accusing them of inaction in ensuring the provision of housing sites, sparking a heated exchange with ruling party members.
Alva's contention centered on the apparent discrepancy between the distribution of title deeds to 900 beneficiaries six years ago and the absence of actual housing sites for applicants. Members of the ruling party, including Jagadish Shetty and Shakeela Kava, vehemently rebutted Alva's claims, attributing the delay in site allocation to errors made by a former MLA from Alva's party.
Chief Whip Premananda Shetty accused Alva of attempting to politicize the housing issue, emphasizing that the matter falls outside the administrative purview of the Mayor. He contended that the delay was a consequence of the former MLA's distribution of title deeds without prior permission, coinciding with election-related activities.
Amidst the verbal sparring, Corporation Commissioner Anand intervened to provide information on the progress of ongoing housing projects. He detailed the construction of residential complexes in various locations, specifying the number of houses allocated to beneficiaries from different categories.
Mayor Sudhir Shetty Kannur, addressing concerns raised by Alva regarding irregularities in the sewage treatment plant (STP), informed the assembly that he had personally inspected the plant. He clarified that funds amounting to Rs 80 lakh had been allocated for the Bajal Stepwell project under the 15th Finance Commission, scheduled to commence operations within a week. Shetty highlighted similar projects at Jalligudda and Kadekar.
The Mayor also addressed issues related to traffic congestion, the dengue outbreak, and water shortages in the city. Shetty assured the assembly that Rs 40 crore would be granted for sewage treatment projects, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) would be submitted to the government.
Opposition Leader Alva urged the Mayor to establish a committee for the management of underground drainage, akin to water supply systems.
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GT buy Washington Sundar for Rs 3.20 crore; Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur go unsold
Jeddah, Nov 25: Flamboyant Indian opener Prithvi Shaw and seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur failed to find any takers but Washington Sundar was bought by Gujarat Titans for Rs 3.20 crore on the second day of the IPL mega auction here on Monday.
Also going unsold were New Zealand batting stars Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips.
South African veteran Faf du Plessis and West Indies' Rovman Powell were bought for Rs two crore and Rs 1.50 crore by Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively, but seasoned India batter Ajinkya Rahane went unsold.
The unsold players can find buyers later in the day during the accelerated auction if their names are given by the franchises.
