Mysuru: In a move prioritising public convenience, G Lakshmikanth Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru, has ordered a 15-day suspension of the ongoing underground cabling (UGC) project being executed by Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation.
The directive was issued during a review meeting with officials from the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and other departments, where the DC stressed that essential civic services must not be disrupted due to infrastructure projects.
Damage to pipelines triggers action
The decision comes in response to multiple complaints about damage to drinking water and sewage pipelines during the execution of the extensive 400-km underground cabling work across the city.
Expressing concern, the DC instructed officials that all damaged pipelines must be repaired before any further cabling work resumes. He mandated that such repairs should be completed within 24 hours of any damage being reported.
“It has come to my notice that several pipelines are currently damaged. All UGC work must be halted for the next 15 days. During this period, the damaged infrastructure must be restored,” he directed.
He also asked CESC and MCC officials to submit a joint report after completing the restoration work.
Focus on white-topping projects
During the meeting, the DC also reviewed ongoing and upcoming white-topping projects in the city. He noted that white-topping work has already commenced on a one-km stretch of Manandavadi Road.
A total of 12 roads in Mysuru have been approved for white-topping. In the first phase, work will be taken up on Manandavadi Road, Bogadi Road, and Vishwamanava Double Road.
The DC emphasised that all underground works—including water supply lines, drainage systems, and electrical cables—must be completed before laying concrete roads.
Strict warning against re-digging roads
Issuing a stern warning, the DC said that no road should be dug up after white-topping is completed. He held officials accountable for any such lapses.
“A report must be submitted regarding these arrangements before the road work begins. If any road is dug up after the white-topping is completed, the officials concerned will be held directly responsible,” he cautioned.
The directive aims to prevent repeated digging of newly developed roads, a common issue that leads to inconvenience for commuters and additional public expenditure.
Joint inspections ordered
With regard to the white-topping project on Bogadi Road, the DC instructed officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and MCC to conduct a joint inspection and submit a detailed report within two days.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including MCC Commissioner Sheikh Tanveer Asif, Executive Engineer Manju, and CESC Superintendent Engineer Sunil, among others.
Conclusion
The suspension of the underground cabling project reflects the administration’s focus on balancing infrastructure development with public convenience. By prioritising the repair of essential services and enforcing accountability, the district administration aims to ensure smoother execution of civic projects in Mysuru.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how effectively departments coordinate to restore damaged utilities and resume work without further disruption.