The Times of India             25.01.2014

Mysore City Corporation gives nod to build four more swimming pools

MYSORE: If Mysore City Corporation has its way, the city will get four more swimming pools.

The civic body on Friday approved a proposal to construct four swimming pools in different parts of the city. While the proposal to build pools in Narasimharaja Mohalla, Vijayanagar and Devaraja Mohalla was passed without much discussion, the one proposed at Puttaraj Gawai stadium in JP Nagar on build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis triggered opposition.

The ruling JD(S)-BJP combine cut a sorry figure when mayor N M Rajeshwari said that she was not informed about the subject being included in the agenda for the monthly meeting of the council. Grabbing the opportunity, the opposition Congress questioned the motive and accused the ruling parties of hurrying it through. However, B L Bhyrappa, who represents JP Nagar, said that that the work, estimated to cost Rs 90 lakh, is proposed to be financed by private entity, given that the MCC lacks funds.

The members sought to know if private entities would adhere to MCC's directives. They also questioned as to why MCC didn't invite interest of expression for the project. After clarification from the ruling combine, the council approved it. Rajeshwari said that she will write to the government seeking funds for the project. In case they don't come through, the project can be taken up on BOOT basis, she ruled.

During the meeting, the members complained that a prime site on upscale Kalidasa Road, allotted by the MCC to promote khadi, is being misused. They asked the MCC to withdraw the approval and get back the 20x10 sqft plot. The members said that the officials should focus on protecting public properties. They asked the officials to upgrade the records, arguing that anti-social elements are trying to grab prime properties.

The meeting also discussed the projects to be taken up with Rs 100 crore special grants from CM Siddaramaiah, which were allocated in the budget. The MCC has not finalized the projects, the members said, charging the officials with being lax.