It is time for these junked vehicles to go

MANGALORE: When you enter the PWD building that houses many government offices, the first thing that catches your attention are the junked vehicles.
Two vehicles of the department of information that have long surpassed their utility are lying around like antiques. A recent addition is one that belongs to the watershed department. The vehicles only add to the unkept atmosphere of the PWD building that is itself in a bad shape due to lack of maintenance.
District in-charge minister J Krishna Palemar during a recent visit to the building instructed officials to clean up the area. Barring clearing of the garbage, the junked vehicles are awaiting disposal. But the time has not yet come, thanks to the rules and regulations tightening officials' hands.
District information officer K Rohini told Sunday Times of India that both the vehicles are not in a usable condition. One vehicle belonging to the Mangalore office was used for journalists. The rules have it that a vehicle has to run minimum of one lakh km or complete 15 years in use to be declared condemned. Since this vehicle has not fulfilled both conditions, the RTO has refused to issue the certificate. The other was brought here when the information department's office in Puttur was closed. However, the vehicle has no records, she said.
Norms have come in the way of declaring the vehicle as condemned. Other factors like the weather and thieves have worsened their state. Doors and other spare parts have been stolen.
Rohini added that they have no space for parking the vehicles. "If space is provided we are ready to construct a shed", she said. Recently the RTO issued a letter saying that the vehicles are not fit for tours. The matter has been brought to the notice of the higher authorities, she said. Watershed department officials said their vehicle was declared condemned two months ago and is awaiting permission for an auction.