Mangaluru: Resolving the drinking water problem in Ullal Hoysge will be the top priority, Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Rahul Rathnam Pandey said during his visit to the area on November 3.
The commissioner visited several parts of the city on Tuesday and interacted with residents to understand public grievances and inspect civic infrastructure. During his visit to Ullal Hoysge, he travelled by boat to inspect a damaged footbridge and assess complaints relating to drinking water facilities.
Local residents explained the difficulties they face due to inadequate drinking water supply and discussed the need to install a pipeline. They also urged the civic authorities to provide a bus shelter, improve road connectivity and introduce bus services to the area.
Residents asked to submit pipeline request
After discussing the issues with officials at the site, Pandey assured residents that the complaints would be examined and necessary steps taken.
He said drinking water supply must receive immediate attention, particularly in view of the possibility of a prolonged summer and drought-like conditions in the district in the coming months.
Regarding the proposed drinking water pipeline, the commissioner asked residents to prepare a formal representation carrying the signatures and approval of at least 50 local residents and submit it to the corporation by November 4.
He informed them that approval for the tender was expected within the following week, after which the work would be taken up. He also instructed the concerned officials to treat the matter as urgent and initiate the necessary process without delay.
Commissioner inspects plastic waste recovery plant
Later, the commissioner visited a Material Recovery Plant at Bajal operated by the voluntary organisation Plastic Fischer in collaboration with Mangaluru City Corporation.
He reviewed the waste recovery and recycling activities at the facility and held discussions with representatives of the organisation. Pandey assured them that the corporation would extend the necessary cooperation and support to strengthen their activities.
The visit focused on understanding the organisation’s work in collecting and managing plastic waste and exploring ways to improve coordination with the civic body.
Trash boom system inspected at Jeppinamogaru-Kudpady
The commissioner also inspected the trash boom installed by Plastic Fischer at the Rajakaluve along the Jeppinamogaru-Kudpady road.
Representatives of the organisation explained how the system uses an anchoring arrangement to collect floating plastic waste and prevent it from moving further through the water channel.
They informed the commissioner that plastic waste is generally collected once every seven to 10 days. During the monsoon, however, the collection frequency is increased to once every four days.
The inspection provided an opportunity to review the functioning of the waste collection system and the organisation’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution in local water channels.
Civic officials present during inspection
Mangaluru City Corporation Deputy Commissioner (Development) Naresh P. Shenoy, former corporator Veena Mangala, and officials from the Environment Engineering and Engineering departments were present during the visits.
The commissioner’s inspection covered both essential public infrastructure and environmental management. While residents of Ullal Hoysge await action on drinking water and connectivity concerns, the corporation has also indicated its support for ongoing plastic waste management initiatives in the city.
