Asset maintenance is integral to project implementation, says Deputy Commissioner H. V. Darshan

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Administrator H.V. Darshan stated on Monday that maintaining public assets developed in the city, is an integral part of project implementation.

Speaking at the first round of the public consultation meeting for the MCC’s 2026-27 Budget, Mr. Darshan said that upon completion, the implementing department or agency must maintain the asset for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. Once this maintenance period concludes, the completed project or asset must be formally handed over to the corporation.

Responding to a remark by social activist G. K. Bhat, who said that if projects completed or assets created, especially by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd (MSCL), are not maintained, crores of rupees invested by the government would go to waste, the Deputy Commissioner said that the concern has been addressed as the maintenance aspect has been made part of the project component while inviting bids for taking up a project.

Addressing concerns over the increasing number of black spots, the Administrator said that such a situation should not be occurring in Dakshina Kannada, a district known for its development and well-educated population. Individuals who refuse to segregate waste at the source and who wish to avoid being pinpointed by MCC staff for it, instead resort to throwing garbage on roadsides or in corners, he said.

“It is a shame for us, the well-educated people,” Mr. Darshan, said and added, “We don’t have a solution to it. If you have one, please suggest.”

The Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said that the MCC has installed CCTV cameras at 60 locations to monitor those who dump garbage and create black spots. “The MCC collected over ₹1 lakh last month by imposing a penalty on those who dumped waste,” the Commissioner said.

Twelve people from the civil society participated in the public consultation meeting. A majority of the participants used the meeting to air grievances related to civic issues related to solid waste management, roads, water supply, parking, encroachment of rajakaluves and the like.

There was a demand to set up a drinking water testing laboratory at the corporation. A participant suggested that more parks should be created in the city.