Tiger on prowl

Dug around eight months ago to build drainage pipes the holes were abandoned without any notice. Nothing was done inspite of a number of complaints. Maybe the KDMC was waiting for an auspicious occasion like a VVIP8217;s visit to do the needful. As for the local residents they can take a respite till some wisecrack at the KDMC reminds his seniors of the drainage pits again.Status quon When asked about the major changes he noticed since Shivshahi took over the KDMC 19 months ago, Thackeray was very canidid.

8220;As of now the only change I see are the new faces in office,8221; he told this diarist. Bull8217;s eye, Mr Thackeray, bull8217;s eye!Electricityn A project to generate electricity from garbage was launched by guardian minister Ganesh Naik. This is reportedly the first project of its kind in India. The present commissioner Mr Byre credited the project to the former commissioner Chandrashekhar. Other guests included labour minister Sabir Sheikh, MLA Satish Pradhan and Anand Dighe. The project is expected to cost Rs 15 crore.Conventionn The snowballing controversy over charges of alleged irregularities and corruption in employing staff for the KDMC has prompted the civic body to launch a damage-control exercises. The civic administration has issued employment notices in various newspapers. However, this has done little to assuage the critics who insist on a state-level enquiry by a special judge.New rly stationn A new railway station called Dativala has been sanctioned by the rail authorities between Diva and Dombivli. The station is expected to be completed by March 1998. It will benefit residents of some 60 surrounding villages, who had to travel all the way to Dombivli or Diva.Local weekly is 47n The well-known local weekly Kalyan Nagrik, founded by late Mr Ghare, completed its 47th year. The weekly is edited by W N Dewhar. Highlighting issues of local interest while staying clear of yellow journalism has endeared this weekly to Kalyankars who wait for it eagerly every week.