Madikeri: The long-pending plan to build an art theatre in the heart of Madikeri city is set to begin soon, with the municipal council deciding to start the groundwork soon.At the general meeting held at the Municipal Council Hall under the chairmanship of president P Kalavathi, member Amin Mohisin sought an update on the construction of the new Cauvery Kalakshetra project. CMC commissioner Ramesh said a tender of Rs 9.3 crore was floated for the project under the urban development scheme, and the approval was received from the finance department. All formalities related to demolition and construction were also completed, and the groundwork will start soon, he added.During the meeting, Congress member Rajesh Yellappa also raised concern over the delay in the fourth-phase urban road development works. He said the work was still not completed and if it is not complete before the onset of monsoon, completing the work would be more difficult, and noted that three years already passed and that there was a risk of funds being returned if the work was not finished. Amin Mohisin said the issue was already discussed in the previous meetings, and stressed that contractors should be called to the meeting to ensure quality work.Kalavathi said the council would not allow the funds to lapse and assured that the pending work would be completed. Member Bashir complained that waste and scrap materials placed on the roadside were causing inconvenience to residents and that no action was taken despite written complaints. Other members supported action, and the meeting decided to verify the licence of the scrap shop and remove materials kept on the roadside.Staff shortage causes inconvenience Members also expressed dissatisfaction over poor file management in the municipal office, saying they had to search from desk to desk to locate files. The commissioner said despite severe staff shortage the officials are working effectively. Council secretary Tahir became emotional while responding to criticism and said employees were working even on holidays and under difficult conditions, but their efforts were not being recognised. Speaking on behalf of the staff, he said there was no value for those who worked sincerely.
