Mysuru: In a move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and increasing citizen participation, Regional Commissioner and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Administrator Nitesh Patil has announced that five Ward Committees, including one in Yadavagiri, will be formed on a pilot basis. He announced this at the monthly meeting of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) at its office in Yadavagiri yesterday.

Patil said Ward Committees are crucial for neighbourhood-level development and are mandated under the 74th Constitutional Amendment. He noted that despite directions from the High Court, the MCC had not taken adequate steps to constitute the Committees.

Responding to MGP’s request, Patil said five Committees would be established in MCC Zone 4 with MGP’s co-operation.

Each Committee will have a minimum of 10 members, excluding those with political affiliations and will include representation from women and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. A notification in this regard will be issued shortly and further discussions will be held at the next meeting to expedite the process.

MGP urged the MCC to focus on developing parks and work towards making Mysuru a “Park City.” They sought action against encroachments, improvements to infrastructure, and greater involvement of volunteers in maintaining city’s 35 parks.

Greater Mysuru Master Plan

MGP Founder Bhamy V. Shenoy proposed the preparation of a ‘Greater Mysuru Master Plan’ and the formation of a ‘Mysuru Vision Group’ comprising experts to protect the city’s heritage and cultural identity.

Responding to the suggestion, Patil said such a group could be considered only after Greater Mysuru notification is issued.

He suggested that MGP members take up the matter with Urban Development Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

Shenoy also criticised the MCC for failing to clear footpaths for public use despite Supreme Court directives. He said he would accompany MGP members during inspections with district and Police officials.

The meeting also witnessed discussions on the city’s drainage issues. MGP members pointed out sewage overflow on roads in several areas.

Patil explained that the underground drainage network, constructed 30 to 40 years ago using smaller pipelines, now requires complete replacement at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,500 crore. As an immediate measure, Rs. 50 crore has been allocated, with 130 works in progress and detailed project reports prepared for 10 new sewage treatment plants.

On water supply, Patil said Mysuru requires 350 MLD of water daily, of which only 150 MLD is currently treated. Another 170 MLD remains untreated due to limited treatment capacity.

MCC Superintending Engineer Manju, Zone 4 Commissioner Mahesh Jigani and MGP members S.K. Dinesh, D.V. Dayanand Sagar, Ravichandran Bekal, Malavika Gubbivani, Shankar, Ashok, Rakesh and Shwetha Madappadi were present at the meeting.