MCC fails to answer queries on CDP

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec 30: The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) could neither come to an agreement nor clarify doubts regarding the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and the legalization of residential structures as per the Karnataka Municipal Councils Act Section 112 (C). These issues, which have been fruitlessly discussed for the past 2 general body meetings of the MCC, were brought forward to Wednesday’s meeting. 

Member Mariamma Thomas began the discussion by saying that the Mayor had ruled during a previous meeting that the Karnataka Municipal Councils Act Section 112 (C) must be strictly implemented; but the officials have not taken this ruling seriously. She wanted to know if the officials attach any value to the Mayor’s ruling. She queried the Municipal Commissioner about the various factors preventing the officials from successfully implementing the law.














K N Vijayprakash said that there was absolutely no confusion about the law as far as residential structures are concerned; but there are a number of problems regarding its implementation for commercial structures. He said that the Corporation has written to the government seeking certain clarification. A reply was expected in another week or so. Mayor M Shanker Bhat said that he would personally go to Bangalore to meet the minister for urban development to seek clarification on these issues. 

Member Naveenchandra said that, although the blueprints for commercial structures provided ample parking space, the owners use this space for commercial purposes and obtain trade license and door numbers for the same, owing to which the implementation of road widening projects is becoming difficult. Vehicles are forced to park by the roadside since no separate parking space is provided. The members agreed that strict action must be taken against officials and building owners who fail to follow the rules and use parking spaces for commercial purposes. 

The opposition members demanded that the 15 percent penalty imposed under the single site clearance for legalization of residential structures must be withdrawn. They alleged that the system was faulty because the fine was payable to Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The said that MUDA cannot walk away with the money when the Corporation does all the work. Besides, those who have inherited small pieces of ancestral property are not in a position to pay the fines, while those with large properties can easily pay it. They said that the 15 percent fine must be cancelled for common welfare.