Mangaluru : The newly elected Mayor of Mangaluru city corporation Premananda Shetty took charge from outgoing Mayor Diwaker Pandeshwar on March 3, Wednesday.

Deputy Mayor Sumangala Rao also took charge today.

Speaking to media persons later, the new Mayor said he would strive to effectively implement the several ongoing projects worth thousands of crores of rupees. The top priority would be to complete within a time frame all the projects taken up. Even measures would be taken to effectively implement the 24×7 drinking water project by holding review meets every month, he added.

Regarding encroachment of Rajakaluves or main storm water drains, the Mayor said a drone survey has been done in eight wards and added that strict action would be taken in case of encroachment.

On the delay in issuing of water bills, the Mayor said the Commissioner had suggested appointment of 30 Multi-Purpose Workers in addition to the existing 60 MPWs for all the 60 wards in the city. Measures would also be taken to issue water bills every month, he added.

MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Dr Bharath Shetty, former mayor Diwaker Pandeshwar, former deputy mayor Vedavathi and others were present.