Letter to MLA Vasu

To,
Sri. Vasu,
Hon'ble MLA - Chamaraja Constituency,
Temple Road, Jayalakshmipuram,
Mysore 570 012

Dear Sri Vasu, 

We want to thank you for having taken time to come and have an interaction with MGP members. We specially want to thank you for having come on time, a rare attribute indeed. During the meeting three topics were discussed: drinking water crisis, good administration for Mysore and protecting Mysore's parks. We summarize below the discussion on these topics for your ready reference.  

1. Drinking Water Crisis  

a. Inequitable distribution of water between different areas. 

b. Irregular water supply timings. 

c. Poor quality of water. 

d. Non-working meters and illegal connections. 

e. Poor response to consumers' complaints. VVWW and JUSCO blaming each other 

Suggestions from MGP. 

Electric supply in Karnataka had similar problems a few years ago and the problems have been greatly reduced after the government increased accountability in the field of electric supply by establishing autonomous bodies such as Chamundeshwari Electric Supply Corporation and a regulatory body, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. Taking cue from this positive experience, the government should establish a separate body manned by competent people to manage water supply in Mysore and a regulatory body. This move will make the water supply company accountable and improve all facets of water supply.  

2. Better Administration for Mysore 

Key officials such as the various commissioners serving in Mysore are being transferred frequently, very often in less than 6 months and the administration is suffering because of a lack of continuity, coordination and accountability. 

Suggestion from MGP 

Not only should the government post competent and efficient officials to key administrative positions in Mysore, it should also not transfer them till they complete their terms. 

3. Protecting the parks of Mysore 

The vast majority of parks in Mysore are poorly maintained. The government is also permitting illegal structures in many parks in direct violation of Karnataka Parks, Play-fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act, 1985. The most notable example is People's Park where many illegal structures already exist and on top of it the government itself is planning to build a public library which is again illegal.  

Suggestion from MGP 

Comparison is often made with the Public Library building in Cubbon Park, Bangalore. But that building was constructed nearly a hundred years ago in 1915, much before the KPPOS Act was enacted. Therefore, comparison with the new library building proposed to be built in People's Park in violation of the KPPOS Act is not valid. 

As a legislator, your primary duty is to enact legislation for the benefit of the public and to see that laws enacted by the legislature are enforced so that the intentions of the legislature in making those laws are not defeated. Therefore all illegal structures in all the parks in Mysore (including People's Park) must be removed. 

The intention of the legislature in passing the KPPOS Act is stated at the beginning of the Act: "In view of the increasing demand for residential and commercial sites in the urban areas, a number of parks, play-fields and open spaces are being converted into sites and for other such uses. In order to provide necessary space for recreation to the residents of each locality it is necessary to preserve parks, playfields and open spaces and to put an end to the practice of converting such lands into other uses. Hence this Bill". We request you to ensure that this intention is not defeated anywhere in Mysore. 

We are optimistic that you will take up our suggestions in the best interests of Mysore city. We are always ready to work with you in matters affecting the people of Mysore. Our suggestions may hurt the interests of some powerful people, but we are sure that you have the courage and conviction to push for action which will help our city.  

Yours sincerely,
Sreemathi Hariprasad,
President,
MGP