With the onset of the monsoon season in Kodagu district, the Madikeri City Municipal Council has initiated a series of precautionary measures to minimise rain-related problems and ensure smooth drainage of storm water across the town.
Speaking at the general body meeting held at the Municipal Council Hall under the chairmanship of Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi, Municipal  Commissioner K.R. Ramesh said that steps have already been taken to clean Raja Kaluves and drainage channels to facilitate the uninterrupted flow of rainwater.
He informed that tenders have been invited for the cleaning of Raja Kaluves and drains at an estimated cost of Rs10 lakh. In addition, dedicated staff have been deployed in all wards and a special task force has been constituted to respond to emergencies during the monsoon season.
The Commissioner stated that notices are being prepared for residents living in vulnerable areas, including Indiranagar, Mangaladevi Nagar, Chamundeshwari Nagar and Azad Nagar. He also said arrangements have been made to establish temporary care centers in six community halls to provide shelter in the event of emergencies.
Senior municipal council member K.S. Ramesh stressed the need to complete the cleaning of Raja Kaluves, roadside drains and overgrown vegetation before heavy rains intensify. He pointed out that timely maintenance would help prevent damage to roads and public infrastructure.
He suggested that the municipal administration should deploy additional manpower and make greater use of machinery such as JCBs and Hitachi excavators to expedite the work.
Several members expressed concern over staff shortages, stating that the lack of adequate personnel has adversely affected the smooth functioning of the Municipal Council. They demanded the appointment of additional staff to improve service delivery and ensure timely completion of civic works.
During the meeting, concerns were also raised regarding alleged encroachment of Municipal Council property. SDPI member Amin Mohisin alleged that land adjacent to the Superintendent of Police’s office had been encroached upon and demanded the removal of structures erected on the site.
Supporting the demand, Standing Committee Chairman S.C. Satish called for immediate action to clear the encroachment and restore the property to the Municipal Council.
The issue of unauthorised constructions within the city limits also came under discussion. Amin Mohisin alleged that certain buildings being constructed near Gandhi Maidan were in violation of municipal regulations and claimed that no action had been taken despite resolutions passed during an earlier council meeting. Â The matter led to a heated exchange between members of the ruling BJP and opposition SDPI. Some members entered the well of the House and voiced their dissatisfaction over the handling of the issue.
Meanwhile, the Council resolved to convene a meeting within a week under the leadership of the local MLA to review the implementation of the fourth phase of urban development works and direct contractors to commence pending projects without delay.
Vice-President Mahesh Jaini, along with officials and staff from the Health, Engineering and Revenue Departments, attended the meeting.
