Udupi: Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary has directed district officials to prioritise the completion of National Highway (NH) projects and undertake all pending pre-monsoon works without delay, stressing the need for improved infrastructure and public safety.
Chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex, the MP highlighted several pressing issues ranging from road safety and utility services to water supply and healthcare delivery.
Focus on highway safety and accident prevention
Raising concerns over the increasing number of road accidents in the district, Poojary instructed officials to take immediate steps to prevent the unauthorised parking of lorries and other heavy vehicles along highways. He noted that such practices often lead to avoidable mishaps.
He also emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns on road safety, in line with directives issued by the Supreme Court. The district administration was asked to intensify outreach efforts to educate motorists and the general public on safe road practices.
Infrastructure projects under scrutiny
The MP pointed out several key infrastructure works that require urgent attention. These include resolving long-pending issues at Kundapur Sangam Circle and Kalmadi bridge, as well as expediting the completion of the Arati Mullikatti bridge project.
Delays in these projects, he said, were causing inconvenience to commuters and affecting overall connectivity in the district.
In addition, Poojary expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in implementing a door-to-door gas pipeline project, which has reportedly been pending for nearly a decade. Questioning representatives of the gas supply agency, he set a deadline of June 15 to complete the pipeline work and commence supply.
Telecom and utility concerns raised
The MP also addressed recurring complaints regarding the disruption of BSNL services during power outages. He directed officials to find an immediate and lasting solution to ensure uninterrupted communication services, particularly in rural areas where connectivity is crucial.
Water supply and sanitation issues
With regard to drinking water, Poojary noted that while pipelines under the Jal Jeevan Mission have been laid in several areas, the identification of reliable water sources remains incomplete. He instructed officials to address this gap to ensure effective implementation of the scheme.
He further called for prioritising the completion of multi-village scheme (MVS) drinking water projects, as several legislators reported that water supply has not yet reached many localities.
On sanitation, the MP directed local authorities and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) to take strict action against individuals and entities dumping solid waste along roadsides. He stressed the need for maintaining cleanliness and preventing environmental hazards.
Health services and welfare schemes
Addressing issues related to healthcare, Poojary referred to complaints that private hospitals were delaying treatment for patients under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He instructed officials to convene an emergency meeting with hospital representatives to ensure that emergency cases are treated on priority without delay.
He also reviewed the implementation of the KUSUM scheme and called for its speedy execution. The MP noted that progress had been hindered due to a dispute between the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) over whether certain lands allotted for the scheme fall under the ‘deemed forest’ category. He urged both departments to resolve the issue at the earliest.
Railway connectivity and infrastructure
The MP highlighted the need to improve access to Indrali Railway Station by widening the existing narrow road. He stressed that land acquisition should be expedited to facilitate the project.
Additionally, he took note of parking-related issues at the station and instructed officials to organise a बैठक with relevant stakeholders to develop a systematic solution. He also directed authorities to streamline arrangements for filling water in trains at the station.
Participation and conclusion
The meeting was attended by MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gurme Suresh Shetty, and Gururaj Gantihole, along with MLC Manjunath Bhandary, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K, and Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, among other officials.
In conclusion, the MP reiterated the importance of coordinated efforts among departments to ensure timely completion of projects and effective delivery of public services. He emphasised that addressing infrastructure gaps, improving safety measures, and ensuring accountability would be key to the district’s development.