Mangaluru :  MCC Mayor Bhaskar said that under Smart City project, the work on Smart Bus stand near Kavoor, Mahalingeshwara Temple, Akasha Bhavana and the work on Clock Tower have commenced. The work on Smart Road will be taken up from Clock Tower to A B Shetty Circle. All the old lines will be replaced in the UGD work on Nellikai Road.

Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday,  he said that there are 65 projects under Smart City proposal. The ambitious Pumpwell bus terminal will be implemented through Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready and has been submitted for technical sanction to the Infrastructure Development Department (IDD).

The IDD has sought clarification on concrete box pushing technology for the construction of a passage to the bus terminal from Pumpwell side. The NHAI permission will be sought for the same. Once the NHAI gives its approval, the proposal will be submitted to the IDD for approval, he said.

Out of 65 projects, a concept plan has been prepared for 42 projects, DPR has been finalised for 25 projects. Tender has been invited for eight projects. The remaining concept plans and DPRs will be prepared by the August end.

The vacant posts of EE, Accounts Manager, ICT Manager (Network) and Joint Managing Director for the Special Purpose Vehicle to implement Smart City project are yet to be filled. The State government is yet to appoint its representative, MCC representative and two independent directors to the SPV.

MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer said that a survey to identify people, who are letting rainwater into manholes, is being carried out by the MCC. The survey is expected to be completed within 15 days.

He said the MCC has noticed that apartments and individual houses are letting rainwater into the underground (UGD) sewage network instead of open drains. Consequently, manholes overflow during heavy rains and flood low-lying areas.

The MCC has already warned people and asked them to disconnect rainwater inlets to manholes. Strict action would be initiated against those who fail to follow the rule.

AMRUT scheme

Mayor Bhaskar Moily said that Rs 55 crore under Amrut scheme will be used for rectifying missing links in main sewer lines at a few locations in the ADB -funded project taken up by KUDCEMP. The manholes that were built using laterite stones instead of a concrete mixture will be replaced. The manholes of laterite stones had led to seepage in the network at many places. The work order has already been issued.

Now, the contractor is working on strengthening the wet wells and STP at Surathkal and Jeppinamogaru. After the rainy season, the work on rectifying the missing links in main sewer lines will be taken up.

Kadri Park

The Mayor said that Kadri Park will be developed under Amrut Scheme. The interlocks will be replaced, a mud walk path will be laid next to the already existing walk path. An open gym too will come up at Kadri Park.