Koppal, 30 Oct

Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa on Thursday expressed strong displeasure against the officials over the incomplete construction of 2,000 shelter homes on the outskirts of Koppal and the poor state of civic infrastructure. During a surprise visit to the site near Chikkasindogi Road, he found the houses surrounded by weeds despite beneficiaries having paid Rs 30,000 each.

“If those in responsible positions show such negligence, what can the poor do?” he asked, directing his staff to register a suo motu complaint against the erring officials. In response, District Commissioner Suresh Itnal said that a meeting would soon be held with officials from the City Municipal Council and the Nirmithi Kendra, who are responsible for construction and maintenance. Veerappa instructed the City Commissioner to take full responsibility and ensure early handover of the houses to eligible families.

Justice Veerappa also inspected the waste management plant and the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) near Ganj Circle, where he criticised the lack of toilets, farmers’ shelters, and basic amenities despite annual cess collections of Rs 3.5 crore. He ordered cases against negligent officers and directed the construction of a 10-bed farmers’ rest house and improved waste segregation facilities.