Urban Development Minister Yatindra Siddaramaiah on Thursday, Sep 18, announced that the first phase of a Rs 350 crore upgrade to Mangalore’s sewer network has received provisional approval, with the full Rs 1250 crore project slated for cabinet consideration.
Speaking at a progress review meeting in the Mangalore Municipal Corporation (MMC) hall, the minister said the state government is expected to sanction the funds in the upcoming cabinet session, allowing work to begin promptly.
The sewer system within the MMC limits has been described as being in a deteriorating condition. A comprehensive proposal worth Rs 1250 crore was submitted earlier, and the initial tranche of Rs 350 crore has now been cleared by the department.
In the same meeting, the minister highlighted related water supply initiatives under the Jalasiri scheme. A request for Rs 60 crore for continuous water supply to Mangalore, together with a combined demand of Rs 160 crore for Mangalore, Puttur and Kundapura, has been placed before the cabinet. He also urged a relaxation of funding conditions to expedite disbursement.
Addressing digitalisation, Siddaramaiah pointed out that while the Karnataka State Software platform for Manapa is fully operational, the MMC administration has yet to achieve complete digital integration. He called on municipal officials to accelerate this transition and to keep citizens informed about ongoing projects.
Former corporator Navin Disoja supported the push for full digitalisation. The minister also advised the corporation to plan water storage capacity and solid‑waste management infrastructure for the projected population growth over the next 25 years, aiming for 100% waste processing within the municipal limits.
Legislator Iven Disoja raised concerns about delays in the Jalasiri water supply work, citing road works that disrupt residents. Officials responded that 52.45 km of the main pipeline has been laid, leaving 7.45 km to complete; of the 1191 km distribution network, 303 km remain unfinished; and out of 96,300 households, 57,118 still lack pipe connections. Completion is targeted by the end of March 2027, after only 35% of house connections were achieved in the past six years.
Market construction issues were also discussed. MP K Brijesh Chaut noted that multi‑storey market complexes are difficult for senior citizens to access, and several markets remain under‑utilised. The minister assured that future market projects will address accessibility and functional requirements.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK