Puttur, August 2, 2025: A general meeting of the Puttur Municipal Council, under the leadership of President Leelavathi Annu Naik on August 1st, discussed the repositioning of a planned 75-meter flagpole, with an estimated cost of ₹1 crore. The proposal to move the flagpole from its original site at Beeramale Hill to Nellikkatte gained attention for enhancing public visibility. The project will be funded equally by government grants and municipal finances, sparking debates among the council members on the importance of selecting an accessible and prominent location to hoist the national flag.
Funding and Relocation Concerns
The project to install a new flagpole has received financial backing of ₹25.93 lakh from the Chief Minister’s discretionary fund and an additional ₹35 lakh from the Urban Planning Authority. This was decided during a meeting where it was also agreed that the remaining ₹39.07 lakh would come from the municipal fund. However, the proposed shift from Beeramale Hill to Nellikkatte sparked a discussion.
Council member Mohammad Riyaz inquired about the rationale behind the change, with officials pointing to logistical difficulties in transporting materials to the hilltop location. Riyaz advocated for keeping the flagpole on Beeramale Hill, emphasizing its higher elevation would add to the grandeur of the structure. He urged officials to tackle technical hurdles without compromising the viewer experience.
Fellow members K. Jeevandhar Jain and Bhami Ashok Shenoy agreed, advising caution and recommending further talks with the MLA, deputy commissioner, and tahsildar to streamline the process for this nationally significant project.
Water Supply Woes Highlighted
The meeting in Puttur highlighted concerns regarding the town's water supply, as members drew attention to the obstructed gate at the Uppinangady bridge causing silt buildup in the river. Bhami Ashok Shenoy lambasted the Jalasiri scheme officials for their lack of response, cautioning about impending water scarcity for drinking purposes.
In response, a Jalasiri officer Madesh clarified that the gate at Biliyoor bridge, situated further downstream, needs to be cleared prior to addressing the Uppinangady gate issue. This revelation led to Shenoy and Jain questioning whether the matter had been brought to the district administration's attention. Both parties then called for swift intervention by municipal and Jalasiri engineers to rectify the situation and avert future water supply crises.
Council members Diksha Pai, Zohara, and Shaila Pai also participated in the discussions. Vice-President Balachandra Kemminje, Standing Committee Chairman Sundar Poojari Badava, and Municipal Commissioner Vidya M. Kale were present.
Keywords:Puttur, Puttur Municipal Council, flagpole, Beeramale Hill, Nellikkatte, municipal council, water supply, Jalasiri scheme, civic meeting, flagpole relocation