Urban Governance, Civil Society and Local Economic Development

Mangalore

Work at ward level

Bengare (Ward No.60) and Bendur (Ward No.33) areas of Mangalore City Corporation have been identified.

In Bengare (peripheral and new ward), the project aimed at understanding the civic issues like Solid waste management, Ground water pollution, etc.. Through Mahiti sabhas, the resident groups were educated about the structure, duties and responsibilities of different sections of the Mangalore City Corporation. Few Samparka Sabhas were organized to bring officers and residents face to face. The resident groups followed up with the Health Section to get dustbins for the area. A socio-economic survey of the community was carried out and data base created. A map of the area was prepared to be used in the planning. Water samples of selected households were carried out to find the quality of water for drinking purposes.

In Bendur (old ward), the project aimed at understanding the different economic groups of the locality. A map was prepared and being used in the monthly meetings organized by the Corporator. A Quiz was organized for the high school students to raise the awareness about the ward and city.

Work at City level

The project actively involved in a process with the senior citizens and activists to bring NGOs working in Mangalore City on a platform. The 'NGO Forum' has been actively meeting once in a month to know and share information concerning NGOs and the city. The project prepared a 'Contour Model' of Mangalore City to develop a sewage plan for 'NGO Task Force', formed out of NGO Forum.

Organised a workshop on 'Citizenry and Urban Local Bodies' and 'Municipal Finances - The Present and The Future' to understand the response of citizens to the city issues, role & responsibilities of citizens, groups and the council AND to educate the citizens and groups on issues related to Municipal Finances respectively.

Initiated an exchange programme between the NGOs in Mangalore with the NGOs in Mysore and Bangalore. This exchange has facilitated in learning issues concering respective cities and initiated interactions with the NGOs working on Urban and Environmental issues.

Udupi

(The project began during August 2001 and will end by November 2002)

Work at Ward level

Vadabhandeshwara, an area adjacent to the coast has been identified. The project has identified issues like Solid Waste Management, Malaria, Title deeds, CRZ etc through developing a ward map. Information meetings have been organised on CRZ . A citizen's committee has been formed to follow up with the Government.

Work at City level

The active citizens and groups have been involved in a series of discussions to bring on to a common platform.