Mangalore, Jan 9: United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) former Assistant Director General G Vishwanath Rao has stated that construction of high rise buildings in the City should be stopped immediately in order to retain the beauty of Mangalore.

He was delivering a special lecture on 'Mission Mangalore', jointly organised by State Bank of India and Mangalore City  Corporation at Town Hall here on Wednesday.

Mr Rao, who was born and brought up in Mangalore, said it was only through the commitment and co-operation of the conscious citizens, a 'magic Mangalore' can be developed and made a jewel on the west coast. He stressed on the necessity of maintaining a clean and green Mangalore in order to make it a better place for happy living. Quoting the example of Ira village, he said if one hamlet could be a model for the entire region, why could not be the Mangalore City Corporation.
Following are a few suggestions made by Mr Rao out of his 20-point programme for prosperous Mangalore:

* Better traffic system in order to avoid unnecessary traffic complications.
* Regular rainwater harvesting in all areas of the city.
* Providing 24-hour electricity supply.
*  Much attention towards using renewable sources of energy.
* Revolving restaurants on the famous hills of the city.
*  Maintaining cleanliness in beaches.
* Organising Tulu film festivals every year.

SBI Mangalore Assistant General Manager C M Thallur, Citizens' Forum Co-ordinator Vidya Dinakar and MCC Joint Commissioner Ajith Kumar Hegde were present.

DHNS