Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey conducted surprise inspections across the city on Wednesday and directed officials to act on concerns involving Urwa Market, underground drainage, public safety and tourism infrastructure.
At Urwa Market, Pandey discussed the systematic segregation of flower, vegetable, meat and other stalls. He directed officials to call for a comprehensive tender for the market instead of handling the process in separate parts. Vendors told the commissioner that footfall had declined because of inadequate basic infrastructure.
In response, Pandey instructed the town vending committee to conduct a survey of the market area. He also assured vendors that a separate meeting would be held next week to discuss their concerns. Officials were asked to evaluate two options: shifting all street vendors into the market complex on the model of the Central Market Complex, or reassessing the scope of the project.
The commissioner also reviewed parking facilities at the Urwa Market Complex. Vendors and security personnel reported frequent disturbances caused by drunkards and miscreants at night. Pandey directed security staff to submit a formal written complaint to MCC officials and said the issue would be taken up with the Mangaluru City Police commissioner and the deputy commissioner of police.
During the inspection at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Memorial in Babugudda, Pandey discussed plans to improve the site as a tourism destination. He directed officials to prepare a cost estimate for constructing a Kudmul Ranga Rao Bhavan on the premises. Officials reviewing the project blueprints informed him that the proposed construction would cost around Rs 1.3 crore.
The commissioner later visited Bikarnakatte after residents raised complaints about underground drainage and waterlogging. MCC engineering officials reviewed terrain maps with him and explained the proposed 400-metre underground drainage connection work. Residents also complained about frequent interference by the National Highways Authority of India during civic works.
Pandey assured residents that the MCC would convene a joint meeting with NHAI and officials from the relevant departments to seek a lasting solution to the drainage and coordination issues. Officials from the MCC engineering and revenue departments accompanied the commissioner during the inspections.
