Mangaluru: A Bhoomi Puja was performed for the road development work at Shantinagar Rukkaiah Devadiga Mane in the 37th Ward near Maroli Surya Narayan Temple under the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), marking the formal resumption of a long-pending infrastructure project.
The ceremony was held under the leadership of Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, in the presence of local residents, community leaders and ward representatives. The project aims to improve basic civic infrastructure in the locality, including roads, drainage systems and the construction of a protective barrier.
Coastal Development Authority to execute work
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Vedavyas Kamath said that the work is being undertaken by the Coastal Development Authority following repeated requests from local residents.
He stated that the authority will carry out the construction of roads, drains and a barrier at an estimated cost of around Rs 28 lakh. The project is considered urgent due to the condition of the existing infrastructure and the inconvenience faced by residents, particularly during the monsoon season.
Kamath noted that although a Gudali Puja had been conducted earlier to initiate the project, the work had been halted midway due to various reasons. With the renewed push, the process has now formally restarted.
“This is an important and urgent work for the people of Shantinagar. On the request of the locals, the Coastal Development Authority has stepped in to complete the development works. I thank everyone who has supported this effort,” he said.
Residents cooperate for smooth progress
The MLA expressed special appreciation for residents who voluntarily gave up portions of their land to ensure the smooth execution of the project. According to him, such cooperation reflects the collective spirit of the community and plays a crucial role in enabling public works without legal or logistical hurdles.
Infrastructure projects in densely populated residential areas often face challenges related to space constraints and encroachments. In this case, local residents reportedly extended their support by adjusting boundaries and clearing obstructions to facilitate road widening and drainage construction.
Ward representatives said the new road and drainage system would significantly improve connectivity and sanitation in the area. Poor road conditions and waterlogging have been longstanding issues in parts of Shantinagar, especially during heavy rains.
The proposed barrier is also expected to enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists, particularly in stretches prone to erosion or water overflow.
Local leaders and residents attend ceremony
Several prominent members of the locality were present during the Bhoomi Puja ceremony. Among those who attended were Kiran Devadiga, Jagadish Shenoy, Raghavendra, Prashanth Prabhu, Arun Shetty, Prashanth, Anitha, Malathi, Mamatha, Rajesh Alamgar, Maxi D’Souza, John D’Souza, Agnes, Nagesh Saral, Lakshman, Rukmayya, Sulochana, Rajesh and Deepak.
Ward workers and a large number of local residents also participated in the event, expressing hope that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Community members said the development work would not only improve day-to-day commuting but also enhance property values and overall quality of life in the area.
Focus on civic infrastructure
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to upgrade civic infrastructure in different wards under the Mangaluru City Corporation. With rapid urbanisation and population growth, several residential pockets have been demanding improved roads, stormwater drains and safety measures.
Officials indicated that once completed, the project would address persistent issues such as potholes, drainage blockages and flooding during rains. Proper drainage infrastructure is particularly critical in coastal cities like Mangaluru, where heavy rainfall is a regular occurrence.
MLA Kamath assured residents that he would monitor the progress of the work and coordinate with concerned authorities to ensure timely completion. He emphasised that infrastructure development remains a priority and that similar works would be taken up in other areas based on public demand.
The Bhoomi Puja ceremony symbolises a renewed commitment to improving basic amenities in Shantinagar. With financial allocation of Rs 28 lakh and cooperation from residents, authorities expressed confidence that the project would proceed smoothly.
As the work resumes, residents are hopeful that the long-awaited improvements will soon transform their locality into a safer and better-connected neighbourhood.
