Mangaluru, Feb 13: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) and Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) have been involved in several development projects across the city, including the renovation of traffic circles. However, two years after the inauguration of Narayana Guru Circle (previously known as Ladyhill Circle), built at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, the site is now in a state of neglect due to inadequate maintenance.
The outer portion of the circle has deteriorated significantly, possibly from vehicle collisions, particularly from turns coming from Lalbagh towards Chilimbi. Broken debris is scattered across the road, raising concerns about whether the damage is linked to accidents.
The inner portion of the circle is also suffering from neglect. The red laterite stones are cracked, and stagnant water in the fountain has become contaminated, breeding mosquitoes. The fountain, along with its lights, may no longer be functional. Furthermore, the surrounding grass and plants have dried out due to a lack of watering, which detracts from the circle’s appearance.
Though Narayana Guru Circle remains a key visual landmark from afar, its deteriorating state is concerning. Congress leader Padmaraj voiced his dissatisfaction, noting the stark contrast between the respect shown in speeches and the poor maintenance of the circle named after the revered figure. He urged authorities to take swift action to address the situation.
Mayor Manoj Kumar acknowledged the damage and confirmed plans to collaborate with the police to identify the responsible vehicle and ensure the costs of repair are covered.
The ongoing neglect of infrastructure projects in Mangaluru continues to draw criticism, highlighting the urgent need for MUDA and MCC to prioritize maintenance across the city.
Read also: