J Manjunath: A blend of empathy and pragmatism

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

His quest to serve the needy made him forgo good opportunities. It may not be an exaggeration to say that he is the first Deputy Commissioner to visit remote rural areas of Yadgir district to redress the grievances of villagers facing multiple problems.

He is J Manjunath, the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban. Manjunath’s parents hail from Sathanur in Ramanagara district. Manjunath’s major contribution and success is to identify and handover 1,000 acres of government land to Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation for construction of 1 lakh homes under Chief Minister One Lakh Housing Scheme. More than 550 acres of such land has been already utilised by Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation.

A visit to Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner’s Office will suffice to know Manjunath’s style of functioning without succumbing to pressure from politicians. Manjunath is ever-ready to give a patient hearing to all types of people who visit him for various reasons. His specialty is that he not only helps needy people but does not hesitate to call a spade a spade.

After assuming office as the Deputy Commissioner for Bengaluru Urban, he played a key role in recovering government land from encroachers and demolishing structures constructed on lake lands and storm water drains. Around 260 encroachments were cleared and recovered 70 acres and 26 guntas of government land worth Rs 1,12,42,25,000 between July 31, 2021 and January 29, 2022 in Bengaluru North, South, East, Yelahanka and Anekal taluks.

“We have been conducting an encroachment clearance drive every Saturday. Our goal is to make storm water drains and water bodies free from all types of encroachments,’’ says Manjunath with a smile.

As a Deputy Commissioner of Kolar, Manjunath worked hard to fill up irrigation tanks with treated water from Bengaluru. “Now, I want to ensure all irrigation tanks in Anekal and other adjoining places are filled up with treated water from Bengaluru,” says the Deputy Commissioner.

He worked as a BBMP Special Commissioner for Education and made attempts to ensure supply of books, uniform, shoes to the students on time. “There was no system in place to supply books, uniforms and shoes to the students studying at BBMP schools. I made arrangements to counsel and train teachers working at BBMP schools,’’ he recalls

How does your day begin?

I wake up early and go for a walk without fail if I went to bed early the previous night.

You are known for going home late as you have to attend meetings and redress grievances. How will your better half and daughters react when you go home late?

Initially, my wife and daughters expected me at home on time. Later, they are tuned to my timings. They are not complaining.

Do you have any special plans for Bengaluru?

I have special love towards Bengaluru as I was born and brought up in this city. I want the citizens not to face hurdles to avail government services. I want to bring government services to the door steps of citizens.

What are your memorable moments?

The memorable moment in my life was when I succeeded in rescuing a few shepherds who were stranded on an island on Krishna River. They went to the island along with around 80 sheep but were stranded as water level in rose. The other memorable moment in my life is when I was invited as the chief guest at an engineering college where I graduated.

Was it your dream of joining civil service?

Yes. I am happy and satisfied having an opportunity to serve my own district.