The Hindu : Karnataka / Mysore News : Good response to `Save Mysore' campaign

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Mysore

Good response to `Save Mysore' campaign

By Our Staff Correspondent

People participating in the `Save Mysore' campaign on Monday.

MYSORE, JULY 19. Public ire at the increasing degeneration of the city was reflected in the "Save Mysore" campaign launched by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) here on Monday.

Organised by the Mysore Grahakara Parishat, the campaign evoked a good response as hundreds of people staged a demonstration criticising the alleged apathy of the Mysore City Corporation towards the degeneration of the city. A campaign was also launched by the parishat to collect over one lakh signatures in support of their demand.

The parishat urged the people "not to be mute spectators to the decline of Mysore" but participate in the campaign in large numbers.

The NGOs participating in the campaign pointed out that the city was in a poor state and listed the problems afflicting Mysore. It was pointed out that despite a huge loan taken for infrastructure development by the corporation, the burden of which was being passed on to the people by way of increase in taxes and cess, they were yet to witness any tangible development. A case in point was the roads, which were in a bad condition, the parishat said. Though the corporation had taken Rs. 130 crore as loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for infrastructure development, not much had changed, it added. A huge sum was being spent on repairing 56 arterial roads in the city. But the roads were still in a bad shape, the parishat said.

It noted that many footpaths had been encroached upon. This was true on all major roads, including D. Devaraj Urs Road and Sayyaji Rao Road, where pedestrians were forced to walk on the roads.

Some people who participated in the campaign alleged that though crores of rupees borrowed from the ADB had been spent on improving water supply in Mysore, the people were yet to get its benefits. "Nearly half the households get water unfit for drinking," they said.

They said that thousands of people were deprived of good ventilation and lighting because of violations of building bylaws. A fallout of this was the erosion of Mysore's heritage, they added.

Though the Revised Comprehensive Development Plan made it clear that no structure should be constructed within 100 metres of a heritage building, the rule was being violated, they said. The growing encroachment on Chamundi Hills was another issue that had not been addressed either by the corporation or the Mysore Urban Development Authority.

Another issue highlighted by the NGOs was the growing instances of food adulteration in the city. "Rampant food adulteration is shortening the lifespan of every person," the parishat said. The NGOs noted that the need of the hour was an efficient non-corrupt administration that was also accountable to the public. But there was also a need for the people of Mysore to involve themselves in the campaign.

The participants pointed out that the corporation could help by providing better drains, good roads, ensure garbage clearance, improve the frequency of water supply, and maintain a healthier environment.

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