Yogesh K Porwar
Stressing the need for effective governance and timely decision-making,Minister for Urban Development Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah directed all Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) in the State to convene Authority meetings every month.
He observed that the failure to conduct meetings regularly has adversely affected the delivery of essential civic services to citizens.
Reviewing the progress of 34 Urban Development Authorities across Karnataka,the Minister noted that some authorities had conducted only two or three meetings in an entire year,which hampers development and administrative efficiency.
“I take the failure to conduct regular Authority meetings very seriously.Every Authority must hold meetings every month,and at the very least,conduct eight meetings in a year,”he said.
Housing Development:
The Minister pointed out that with the State’s growing population,Urban Development Authorities must expand civic infrastructure and housing facilities accordingly.He said available land should be identified and developed efficiently.
Noting that the Housing Department alone cannot meet the increasing demand for housing,Dr.Yathindra Siddaramaiah suggested that Urban Development Authorities explore the construction of apartment complexes, on the lines of private developers,to provide affordable housing to the public.
Master Plans:
Reviewing the status of Master Plans, the Minister directed all Authorities to revise outdated plans and prepare GIS-based Master Plans.
Referring to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority,he noted that while a Master Plan has already been prepared,it will require revision following the establishment of the Chamundi Hill Development Authority in 2024,as the areas falling under its jurisdiction must be excluded.
Bank Account Management:
The Minister instructed all Urban Development Authorities to maintain their bank accounts with complete transparency and strictly adhere to the financial guidelines issued by the Finance Department.
Lake Development:
Dr.Yathindra Siddaramaiah observed that while many Authorities are focusing on the beautification of lakes, equal importance must be given to water conservation.
“A lake without water serves no purpose.Measures must be taken to prevent the inflow of sewage,undertake desilting works,and develop lakes as sustainable sources of drinking water wherever feasible.
Existing guidelines should be revised to facilitate the comprehensive development of lakes,”he said.
Building Plan Approvals:
The Minister directed officials to ensure that building plan approvals are issued without unnecessary delays, noting that such delays increase construction costs for citizens.He warned that strict action would be taken against officials responsible for unjustified delays.
Title Deeds:
Addressing issues relating to title deeds for allotted sites, the Minister said it would not be appropriate to cancel allotments merely because title deeds have not been issued.
Instead,he directed officials to examine the possibility of imposing applicable penalties, wherever necessary, and facilitate the issuance of title deeds.
Planned Urban Growth:
The Minister recalled that the Hon’ble Chief Minister had recently instructed Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers to closely monitor unplanned urban growth.He reiterated the need for all Urban Development Authorities to focus on planned,sustainable,and orderly urban development.
B.B.Kaveri,Secretary,Urban Development Department; Shivananda Kapasi,Commissioner,Town Planning Department;Tippeswamy, Director,Town Planning Department;and officials from all Urban Development Authorities across the State were present.
