Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey has directed officials to take action against trade licence violations, footpath encroachments and hygiene issues during a city inspection conducted under the corporation’s ‘Walk with Commissioner’ initiative.
The commissioner inspected commercial establishments, pedestrian pathways, public facilities, parking areas and traffic-related issues at several locations. During the inspection, officials found a trade licence violation at Kamath Hotel in Hampankatta and cleanliness concerns in its kitchen.
Trade licence violation found at hotel
During the inspection near Hampankatta, Commissioner Pandey checked the trade licence of Kamath Hotel.
Officials found that the establishment was operating without transferring the trade licence, according to the report. The commissioner directed officials to issue a notice to the hotel owner over the violation.
Pandey also inspected the hotel’s kitchen, where cleanliness issues were noticed. Leftover food items stored inside the refrigerator were also found during the inspection.
Following the observations, the commissioner instructed food safety officials to issue a notice and directed the hotel management to maintain proper hygiene standards.
Citywide licence checks ordered
The commissioner directed officials to inspect the trade licences of commercial establishments across Mangaluru and ensure that businesses comply with the required regulations.
The instruction comes as part of the civic body’s efforts to identify violations during field inspections rather than relying only on routine office-level monitoring.
Regular verification of licences can help the corporation identify establishments operating without the required permissions or failing to update their licence details following changes in ownership or other circumstances.
Footpath encroachments flagged
Footpath encroachments were another major issue identified during the inspection.
Encroachments were noticed at several locations, including Hampankatta, K B Katte, Lady Goschen Road and Car Street.
The commissioner instructed officials to clear the encroachments and ensure that shops and fruit vendors do not occupy pedestrian pathways.
Footpaths are intended to provide safe passage for pedestrians, and their occupation by commercial establishments or vendors can force people to walk on roads.
The MCC’s direction is aimed at restoring pedestrian space in the identified areas.
Indira Canteen inspected
The commissioner also visited the Indira Canteen near State Bank during the programme.
He inspected the food and assessed the cleanliness and hygiene conditions at the facility. According to the report, Pandey expressed satisfaction with the food and said cleanliness was being maintained.
He suggested that the canteen maintain a register to record complaints and other issues.
Such a register would allow officials to monitor concerns raised by users and follow up on them during subsequent inspections.
Parking and traffic issues reviewed
Parking arrangements and traffic-related concerns were also reviewed during the walk.
The commissioner inspected designated bus stops and no-parking areas near Central Market and instructed officials to ensure that vehicles are parked only in designated spaces.
Officials were also directed to ensure that traffic-related instructions are properly implemented in the area.
The inspection forms part of broader efforts to address congestion and improve the management of public spaces in busy commercial parts of Mangaluru.
Black spots to be identified
As part of civic improvement measures, officials were instructed to identify black spots and monitor public areas through the Integrated Command and Control Centre.
Identifying recurring problem areas can help the corporation focus its resources on locations where civic issues are repeatedly reported.
Monitoring public areas through the command centre is also intended to strengthen the corporation’s ability to track and respond to civic problems.
Amphitheatre planned at Raraji Park
During the programme, Commissioner Pandey also announced plans to develop an amphitheatre at Raraji Park.
The proposed facility will be used to organise cultural programmes every Sunday.
According to the report, various cultural and artistic groups will be given an opportunity to perform at the venue. The programmes are expected to begin within the next 20 days.
The proposed amphitheatre is intended to provide a dedicated public space for cultural activities and performances.
‘Walk with Commissioner’ initiative
The inspection was conducted as part of the MCC’s ‘Walk with Commissioner’ programme, which was launched to enable the commissioner to directly understand civic issues on the ground.
Under the initiative, the commissioner visits different wards, inspects local infrastructure and interacts with residents and officials.
The programme is held on the 16th of every month, with the locations changing from one ward to another.
The field-based approach allows civic authorities to observe issues that may not always be apparent through office reports and complaints.
Focus on commercial and public spaces
The latest inspection covered several aspects of urban management, including trade licensing, food hygiene, pedestrian access, parking and traffic regulation.
The action against the trade licence violation and the instructions on footpath encroachments indicate a focus on ensuring that commercial activities do not interfere with public spaces.
At the same time, the inspection of the Indira Canteen and the proposed amphitheatre at Raraji Park highlight attention to public facilities and community spaces.
Civic issues to remain under monitoring
The commissioner has directed officials to follow up on the issues identified during the inspection.
This includes action on the trade licence issue at the hotel, hygiene concerns, removal of footpath encroachments and enforcement of parking regulations.
Officials have also been asked to monitor public areas and identify black spots through the Integrated Command and Control Centre.
The effectiveness of the measures will depend on follow-up inspections and enforcement by the concerned departments.
Conclusion
The Mangaluru City Corporation has ordered action on trade licence violations, footpath encroachments and hygiene concerns following Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey’s latest ‘Walk with Commissioner’ inspection.
The inspection covered Hampankatta, K B Katte, Lady Goschen Road, Car Street and areas around Central Market. The commissioner also inspected the Indira Canteen and announced plans for an amphitheatre at Raraji Park, with Sunday cultural programmes proposed at the venue.