KSDB chairman Prasad Abbayya along with Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. and others visiting the underpass under construction at Nekar Nagar in Hubballi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE

MLA and chairman of Karnataka Slum Development Board Prasad Abbayya has emphasised the need for officials of various departments to work in coordination to ensure that problems during rainy season are redressed and relief reaches the affected people at the earliest.

Chairing a review meeting on rain damage and preventive measures in Hubballi on Wednesday, Mr. Abbayya said that as downpour has caused damage to property and also casualties, the authorities should take preventive measures to address any contingency.

The MLA stressed the need for designing projects with a vision for next 15 years and said that the Old Hubballi Circle Road should be immediately repaired.

“It appears as if additional grants have not made any considerable change. Only when officials work with commitment and concern, good work will happen,” he said.

Mr. Abbayya asked the authorities to assess ground situation by visiting the affected areas and localities prone to rain damage and take corrective measures.

He asked the officials to take up work on cleaning up the raja kaluve (storm-water drain) from Unkal Lake to Gabbur and take corrective measures to prevent waste being dumped in it.

Referring to the increasing vehicular congestion in the city, he asked the police officials to take action on indiscriminate parking of vehicles on roads which is one of the causes for traffic jams during peak hours.

He also asked them to come up with practical ideas to resolve the recurring traffic jams.

Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. said that already instructions have been given to the Public Works Department and National Highway Authority of India officials on repairing damaged roads.

Although municipal authorities have been advised to desilt nalas and drains, it has been observed that the work has not been done and asked them to take it up on a war-footing.

She said that the work on the elevated road has been expedited and the work on the stretch from Hosur Circle to Vijayapura Road will be completed in August. Subsequently, the next phase of work will be taken up, she said.

Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali informed the meeting that in the twin cities rainwater entered 1,188 houses resulting in 16 houses getting damaged completely and three sustaining 50% damage.

Subsequently, Mr. Abbayya, along with the officials, visited the underpass on Service Road at Nekar Nagar and asked the authorities to expedite the work and ensure that a proper passage is provided to prevent waterlogging.