Presumably, MUDA is still at it, drafting Mysore’s master plan. But MGP wonders why there has been official silence in the matter since April last. It has been over seven months since the then MUDA chief, initiating a participatory planning process, had called for input from NGOs and informed individuals. Some MGP members responded with their proposals.

MGP president Maj. Gen. S G Vombatkere (retd), recalls an earlier occasion when the authorities had gone through the formality of seeking public opinion. The general is reported to have written to the state urban development secretary Ms. Shamim Bano reiterating the need for effective public participation in preparing a comprehensive plan document. MGP and the local heritage task force has much to offer by way of inputs. MUDA would also do well to tap local expertise such as that of the school of design, says MGP president, adding that there were government-sponsored consultants report that  identified Mysore as nodal centre for culture, education and tourism in southern Karnataka. Any plan drafted for Mysore’s development should take this into account.

What’s more, Gen. Vombaykere would like to see a mechanism in place for continued public participation in implementing and monitoring on-going public works. The master plan should provide for, what he calls, a roll-on year-wise agenda prioritizing projects for the year. Modernisation/computerization of administrative procedures and financial management of the Mysore city corporation is imperative for responsive civic governance.

(Source: The Hindu, Dec.8, 2005)