Udupi: Women and Child Development Minister and Udupi District In-charge Minister, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, urged government officials to address public grievances promptly and efficiently during their visits to government offices. She emphasized that timely responses could resolve most issues seamlessly.
Presiding over the quarterly KDP meeting at the VS Acharya Hall of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat, the minister highlighted the district’s above-average rainfall—17% higher than usual—and its consequences, including crop loss and damage to infrastructure such as roads, government buildings, and bridges. She assured that compensation had been distributed for crop damage and other losses.
Restoration of Damaged Infrastructure
The minister noted that works to restore damaged infrastructure were underway under the Calamity Relief Fund. However, the fund was insufficient, prompting plans to seek additional grants in the next assembly session.
Addressing the wastage of fresh water flowing into the sea from west-flowing rivers, Hebbalkar revealed that 666 small dams had been constructed over the last few years.
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Planks on check dams are typically installed in November. Planks have already been installed on more than 50% of these dams. Instructions were given to complete the remaining installations by December 20. Funds have also been released for repairing damaged planks, and the minister directed officials to utilize these funds appropriately, she added.
The minister emphasized the need for a scientific report on the role of check dams in increasing groundwater levels. She also instructed that lake development projects be initiated within 15 days under urban development grants.
Welfare Measures for Marginalized Communities
The minister stressed the need to extend government schemes to forest-dwelling communities like Malekudiyas and Koragas. She instructed officials to address challenges related to ration cards to ensure that benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries.
The Social Welfare Department approved two new hostels for Udupi, with legislators requesting additional facilities. The minister also emphasized improving solid waste management in rural areas and making the district plastic-free.
Ease of Building Permissions
The minister acknowledged challenges faced by residents in obtaining building permits, particularly related to 9 and 11 land issues, and directed relevant departments to resolve them promptly.
In Byndoor, the government approved land for a seafood park, and she instructed officials to expedite tree clearance while preserving as many trees as possible.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Sunil Kumar V, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal A Suvarna, Gururaj Shetty Gantihole, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidyakumar, SP Dr. K. Arun, ZP CEO Pratik Boil, and officials from various departments.
