Priyanka Francis is new Udupi DC; Venkatesh unhappy over sudden transfer

[email protected] (CD Network)
February 21, 2017

Udupi, Feb 21: Priyanka Mary Francis, Chief Executive Officer of Udupi Zilla Panchayat, has been elevated as the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district, while the incumbent Deputy Commissioner T Venkatesh has been transferred as Managing Director of Mysuru Sugar Company Ltd.

priyanka
But the transfer is not without controversy as Mr. Venkatesh said that he was sad at being transferred in about six months of being appointed as Deputy Commissioner. It was his strict handling of the illegal transportation of sand that must have resulted in his transfer, he said.

He had given instructions to officers to impose fine on illegal transportation of sand. But the Minister of State for Fisheries, Youth Services and Sports, Pramod Madhwaraj was upset by this because of public protests and hence, it had resulted in his transfer, he said.

“If you do not take action, they say he is inefficient, if you take action, they are bothered about their public image. It is a silly issue for which I have been transferred,” he said.

“I am naturally sad that I have been transferred right in the middle of the year. The normal transfer takes place in June/July. But in a government job, one is always ready to go wherever one is transferred. I have already faced many transfers,” Mr. Venkatesh said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis said that she would give priority to providing drinking water to water-scarce habitations in villages. “Till a new chief executive officer is appointed to the zilla panchayat, I will have to work as the chief executive officer also. Hence, water issues will get priority,” she said.

She would also give importance to the sand extraction and toll collection issues. She would study and try to resolve the revenue issues such as Depressed Classes land (called “DC Manna Bhoomi”), “Moola Geni” land and “Kumki” land. She would also look into matters relating to deemed forest, she said.

She would meet Mr. Venkatesh on Wednesday and decide on the date of taking charge after consulting him, Ms. Francis said.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: In a decisive move to tackle the city’s deteriorating sanitation infrastructure, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced a massive ₹1,200 crore action plan to overhaul its underground drainage (UGD) network.

The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV, aims to bridge "missing links" in the current system that have left residents grappling with overflowing sewage and environmental hazards.

The Breaking Point

The announcement follows a high-intensity phone-in session on Thursday, where the DC was flooded with grievances from frustrated citizens. Residents, including Savithri from Yekkur, described a harrowing reality: raw sewage from apartments leaking into stormwater drains, creating a "permanent stink" and turning residential zones into mosquito breeding grounds.

"We are facing immense difficulties due to the stench and the health risks. Local officials have remained silent until now," one resident reported during the session.

The Strategy: A Six-Year Vision

DC Darshan HV confirmed that the proposed plan is not a temporary patch but a comprehensive six-year roadmap designed to accommodate Mangaluru’s projected population growth. Key highlights of the plan include:

•    Infrastructure Expansion: Laying additional pipelines to connect older neighborhoods to the main grid.

•    STP Crackdown: Stricter enforcement of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) regulations. While new apartments are required to have functional STPs, many older buildings lack them entirely, and several newer units are reportedly non-functional.

•    Budgetary Push: The plan has already been discussed with the district in-charge minister and the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. It is slated for formal presentation in the upcoming state budget.

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News Network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the inaugural ceremony of Karavali Utsava, which will be held at the Karavali Utsava Ground on Saturday.

The festival will be inaugurated at 6:00 pm by Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Cultural and public programmes will be held at the venue every evening and will continue until January 2.

According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, parking of vehicles is strictly prohibited on both sides of the road from Lalbagh to Karavali Utsava Ground. Visitors are requested to park their vehicles only at designated parking areas.

To help the public, traffic signboards and parking guidance flex boards have been installed along the routes leading to the venue. The police have urged commuters and visitors to follow these instructions to ensure smooth traffic movement.

Designated Parking Locations

•    Urwa Market Ground – Cars
•    Gandhinagar Government School (near Press Club) – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Ladyhill Church parking area – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Canara School Ground, Mannagudda – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Thimmappa Hotel premises – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Scout and Guide Bhavana premises (behind Karavali Utsava Grounds) – Two-wheelers
•    Urwa Market Road – Two-wheelers
•    Hat Hill Road – Two-wheelers

The police have appealed to the public to cooperate by following traffic rules and parking guidelines to avoid inconvenience during the festival.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

•    Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

•    Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

•    Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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