Mangaluru: Taking charge as the new chairperson of the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (Muda), Santhosh Kumar Shetty shared comprehensive information in his maiden news conference regarding the authority’s future projects, pending site allocations in layouts, the city’s infrastructure development, and the simplification of rules.Shetty told reporters on Monday that his primary priority is to implement the Master Plan, which is crucial for the planned growth of Mangaluru city. “The Master Plan proposal was already submitted to the govt in Jan, and the clarifications requested by the govt have also been provided. The minor hurdles in this will be discussed with minister UT Khader and chief minister DK Shivakumar, and it will be implemented soon after obtaining the govt’s final approval,” he said.Muda should not be limited just to site allocation but must contribute to the comprehensive infrastructure development of the entire Mangaluru city, he said. “Rather than growing in just one direction, Mangaluru city needs to expand towards Surathkal, Baikampady, and Mulki. Efforts will be made to provide the necessary roads and infrastructure for this. To find a solution to the city’s increasing traffic congestion, Muda will undertake plans to construct flyovers and underpasses in the coming days,” Shetty said.Further, lakes within Mangaluru’s jurisdiction will be identified, and their development and rejuvenation works will be expedited. There is a lack of space in the city to build massive parks similar to Kadri Park. Therefore, small, beautiful parks will be developed using available 25-cent and 50-cent plots in residential areas, as well as by acquiring private lands, he explained.Due to the high cost of land within the city limits currently, it has become difficult for the middle class and the poor to buy sites. Therefore, Muda will formulate site and housing schemes at affordable rates that fit the budget of the middle class on the outskirts of the city, from Surathkal to Mulki, he said.Measures to prevent middlemenMeasures will be taken to prevent the menace of middlemen/brokers in the authority. Since Muda’s rules and processes are complex, the public lacks the patience to come directly and get their work done, forcing them to rely on engineers or middlemen. To make this process easier, rules will be simplified after discussing with elected representatives, MLAs, and officials. Shetty said an environment will be created where the public can come directly and get their work done.
