Mangaluru residents may get Nethravati riverfront promenade by June: DC

Mangaluru: Residents of Mangaluru can expect access to a new riverfront promenade by June, with the Nethravati riverfront project nearing completion, DC Darshan HV said Monday.

The project, being implemented by Mangaluru Smart City Limited, spans 2.1km and 1.8km stretches along the riverfront and is likely to be completed by the end of this month. The promenade is expected to be inaugurated in the second week of June, he told reporters.

Darshan said the access road leading to the promenade is currently narrow, and discussions will be held with a nearby club to facilitate an entry route, along with parking arrangements. He added that the owner of a tile factory in the vicinity has agreed to provide access to the promenade, and the administration will take necessary steps in this regard.

As construction work is still underway, public entry to the park area has been temporarily restricted to avoid inconvenience due to incomplete works, he said.

Permanent measures planned

With several low‑lying areas facing recurring artificial flooding during the monsoon, the district administration is working on permanent mitigation measures, Darshan said. Of the five proposed works to increase the height of stormwater drains in the Pumpwell area, three have already commenced.

“In certain areas, land acquisition is required to undertake permanent works. Action will also be initiated to clear encroachments on drains in some locations,” he said.

The DC said desilting of stormwater drains and rajakaluves across the city will be completed as the monsoon is expected to enter Kerala by May 26. Officials have also been instructed to clear the silt removed from the banks of the rajakaluves, he added.

In response to a query on encroachments, Darshan said that information has been collected from the National Highways Authority of India regarding encroachments along NHs 66, 75, and 73. Clearance drives have already begun with support from local teams.

Census enumerators’ compensation

On compensation for census enumerators who reportedly suffered accidents, dog bites or bee stings during fieldwork, Darshan said reports on such incidents have been compiled and will be submitted to the govt.

“The taluk administration ensured medical treatment in accident cases. All deputy commissioners have sought compensation for enumerators injured during duty. The matter will be discussed with the director of census operations,” he said.