Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Assembly Petitions Committee, Rudrappa Manappa Lamani, along with committee members, conducted an inspection of the District Administration Building compound wall in Madikeri. The visiting committee included MLAs Dr. Mantar Gowda, A. Manju, U.B. Bankar, C.N. Balakrishna, H.D. Thammaiah, K.S. Anand, K.C. Srinivas, Mahesh Tenginakai, S. Muniraju, Dr. Avinash Umesh Jadhav, among others.
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, ZP CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Satyanarayana, and other officials were present. MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda provided details on the completed work, stating that arrangements had been made to ensure the smooth flow of rain and sewage water without impacting the adjacent highway and barrier.
Chairman Rudrappa Lamani directed that the work be expedited using new technology to ensure structural stability. PWD Chief Engineer Manjappa informed the committee that the work followed the RE (Reinforced Earth) wall model, based on advice from Indian Institute of Science experts. He explained that surface water from the National Highway had been diverted efficiently, and the second phase of work would be completed soon.
MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda reiterated that rainwater flow had been managed effectively and that no drainage water was stagnating, safeguarding both the compound wall and the road.
During discussions, it was noted that the National Highways Department should have been consulted during the building’s construction. The Petitions Committee had earlier visited the site in March 2024, and the current visit, led by Chairman Lamani, reinforced the urgency of completing the work before Dasara.
Committee members shared concerns and observations:
Ramesh Kumar questioned the PWD over lack of communication with the committee.
Rudrappa Lamani emphasized road and barrier safety given Kodagu’s heavy rains.
- Manju criticized planning lapses, saying engineers must consider local terrain like Malnad from the outset.
Suresh Kumar called the project “a lesson for PWD” and urged better planning.
C.N. Balakrishna stressed the need for quality work and cautioned against wastage of public funds.
PWD Secretary Satyanarayana provided a detailed briefing, with Technical Advisory Committee Chairman Jayprasad, Engineer Ibrahim, Executive Engineer Girish, and others also present.
