Issue birth, death certificates at Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation office from today: Vinay Kulkarni to officials

Dharwad MLA and former Minister Vinay Kulkarni has ordered officials of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) to begin issuing birth and death certificates at the corporation office in Dharwad starting from Thursday, September 3. The directive comes as part of efforts to simplify procedures for local residents seeking these essential documents. Mr. Kulkarni, who recently returned to Dharwad after a five-year absence following a court order, convened a review meeting on Wednesday, September 2, focusing on development initiatives and administrative functions within his Dharwad Assembly constituency. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of making certificate issuance more accessible to citizens. He instructed officials to ensure that individuals can submit necessary documentation and receive certificates in compliance with established regulations. Staff members were directed to facilitate this process efficiently and without unnecessary delays. In addition to addressing certificate services, Mr. Kulkarni reviewed ongoing development projects valued at approximately ₹110 crore across nine wards in the constituency. This includes underground drainage systems costing ₹30 crore, road improvements totaling ₹40 crore, and drinking water infrastructure amounting to ₹36 crore. A modern electric crematorium near Murugha Mutt is also set to benefit from allocated funds. He highlighted the need for improved oversight of sanitation workers, noting discrepancies between recorded numbers and actual service levels. Reports of absenteeism and forged signatures prompted further scrutiny. As major festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi draw closer, Mr. Kulkarni urged officials to prioritize cleanliness, drain maintenance, and streetlight repairs. He specifically mentioned ensuring clear pathways for processions and removing obstacles caused by hanging branches. Concerns were also raised regarding delayed road restoration following excavation work by L&T for drinking water pipelines. He requested immediate action to complete pending tasks and restore affected areas promptly. Mr. Kulkarni planned to conduct inspections of development activities across all wards beginning on Thursday, September 3. He invited relevant officials and L&T representatives to join him during the visit. Additionally, he sought detailed information on road disruptions caused by utility works over the last three years, including associated costs and how they were utilized. Discussions also revolved around the proposed redevelopment of the Dharwad Super Market, with suggestions for potential public-private partnerships. Water loss from the pipeline transporting water from Saundatti to Dharwad remained a pressing issue. Mr. Kulkarni noted that between 30% and 40% of the supply was reportedly lost due to leaks. He mandated that the corporation take decisive steps within 15 days to mitigate this problem. Furthermore, he pushed for the establishment of a dedicated maternity hospital in Dharwad and ensured continuous drinking water access at the Dharwad Civil Hospital. Key figures present at the meeting included Shivaleela Vinay Kulkarni, chairperson of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board, municipal commissioner Rudresh Ghali, and other HDMC officials. Their presence underscored the collaborative nature of the discussions aimed at improving municipal services and infrastructure.