When Mangalureans were charmed by the Missile Man

[email protected] (CD Network)
July 28, 2015

Mangaluru, Jul 28: The former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, who passed away on Monday, had made a place in the hearts of a vast amount of the population, including youngsters and elders alike with his easy demeanour, intelligence and humbleness.

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Known for his encouraging and inspiring words to students and aspiring individuals, his sudden demise on Monday left the nation deeply saddened.

During his last visit to Mangaluru in 2014 when he had been invited by the District Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation Committee, he addressed over a 1,000 students from several colleges in the city who were immensely pleased and overwhelmed with his presence amidst them and his enthusiasm.

In his talk with the students, he encouraged them to pursue their dreams and aspire to become higher individuals, while remaining grounded and keeping their humility intact. Urging them to remain uninfluenced by political parties and choose a capable leader by voting in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he motivated them to "spread their wings" and fly.

The scientist had also lauded the city for its contribution towards education and self-governance.

During his tenure as the President of India, Mr Kalam had visited Mangaluru in 2003, and inaugurated the Information Technology, Research and Management Centre at St Aloysius College.

He had also visited the city in 2009 to deliver a talk for students and others at Corporation Bank head office at Pandeshwar.

Altogether, the former President had made five visits to the coastal city of Mangaluru, having expressed his fondness for the coastal region of Karnataka.

He had also delivered a special lecture at Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala and interacted with about 600 students in Mangaluru on another occasion.

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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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