Pics: Sumanth Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 6: A public meeting was held by Yashpal Suvarna, MLA Udupi, addressing critical issues related to the NH 66 stretch in Brahmavar, at Mini Vidhana Soudha, Brahmavar, on August 6.

Yashpal Suvarna highlighted concerns about the underpass and service roads in Brahmavar taluk. “Decisions on necessary works will be made to ensure that the highway does not impede Brahmavar’s development. Immediate actions, including filling potholes, widening the service road by 3 meters, and installing street lights at dangerous locations, will be taken. A meeting with the technical team of highway authorities will be held within the week to discuss these issues.”

Ravi Kumar from the National Highway Authority outlined ongoing efforts to address highway problems, saying, “We have reviewed all public proposals. The flyover was constructed in 2017 when the population was smaller, but now the increased population is creating problems. We are currently focused on rectifying potholes and stagnant water issues, but challenges persist due to insufficient drainage outlets.”

During the meeting, the public raised concerns about the highway stretch through Dharmavaram and Mahesh Hospital, which has become an accident-prone zone due to unscientific road construction. There were demands for the construction of service roads in Uppinakote and Baikadi and the extension of flyovers with pillars for parking and vehicle movement underneath.

Issues such as the lack of service roads, inadequate street lighting, unscientific roadwork in Kalyanpura, and the deep slope on Akashavani Road were also raised. The urgency of addressing these issues was underscored by the 95 accidents in Brahmavar, resulting in 26 deaths and numerous injuries. Despite instructions from MPs and MLAs to complete the underpass in Santhekatte as soon as possible, progress has been slow.

Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike submitted an appeal to Yashpal Suvarna to complete the Santhekatte underpass construction. They also raised concerns about the KG road service road, stating, “When we asked the authorities responsible for construction, they said that they are responsible, and when we approached other authorities, we got the same answer. We want to know who is responsible for the construction.”

The senior citizens' committee raised concerns about uneven placement of cement slabs over drainage, causing problems for pedestrians.

Shrikanth, tahsildar; Rathnakar Shetty; Bujanga Shetty; Rajesh Shetty; Bharath Shetty; Nityanad; and various other committee members were present at the meeting.