Mangaluru: Reiterating that solid waste management in the city has gone “completely out of control”, Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyasa Kamath on Tuesday alleged that the administration of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), under the Congress government, has totally collapsed and is failing on multiple fronts.
Garbage black spots increasing across the city
Addressing a press conference, the two-time MLA said the number of garbage black spots in the city has increased alarmingly, with waste being dumped openly on roadsides. He alleged that construction debris is also being dumped indiscriminately, and the civic body has failed to take effective steps to prevent it.
He further claimed that garbage collection from doorsteps is not happening in several interior areas of the city. “The MCC is not collecting waste regularly in many localities, forcing residents to dump garbage in open spaces,” he alleged.
City’s clean image dented
Kamath said the growing number of black spots has severely dented the city’s image, which was once known for its cleanliness and orderly waste management. He added that such scenes project the city in poor light before tourists and visitors.
He also criticised the lack of proper waste segregation at source, stating that segregation is not being implemented effectively at the doorstep level. According to him, the corporation has failed to create adequate public awareness on the importance of segregating wet and dry waste.
Allegations of partiality in removing petty shops
The MLA accused the civic body of acting selectively while removing petty shops. He alleged that MCC officials were functioning at the behest of Congress leaders and were removing only those petty shops pointed out by them.
“Why is the civic body not removing all petty shops without discrimination?” he questioned, alleging political interference in routine administrative actions.
Flex controversy and charges of political bias
Kamath further alleged that the MCC has failed to remove flex boards and banners put up by Congress leaders, while acting swiftly against others. He claimed that flexes of the Urwa Marigudi temple were removed, while those belonging to Congress leaders continue to remain.
“The MCC officials have become puppets of Congress leaders,” he alleged, adding that it appeared as though the MCC office had turned into a Congress office.
Prison jammer issue persists
Raising another long-pending issue, the MLA said that jammers installed inside the district prison are continuing to cause internet connectivity problems for residents living in nearby areas. He said the issue persists despite being raised earlier in the Legislative Assembly.
Kamath added that the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister have all been apprised of the matter, but no concrete solution has been implemented so far.
No funds for basic infrastructure works
The MLA also alleged that during the Congress government’s last two-and-a-half-year tenure, no funds have been released for essential civic works such as the construction of storm water drains and road development in the city.
He said the lack of funding has resulted in stalled projects, deteriorating roads and inadequate drainage infrastructure, affecting daily life and increasing problems during the monsoon season.
Conclusion
Kamath said the issues he raised reflect a broader administrative failure and warned that continued neglect of civic problems would further inconvenience residents and damage the city’s reputation. He urged the government and the MCC administration to take immediate corrective steps to restore effective governance and ensure basic civic services are delivered without political interference.