Media Release
Udupi, Sept 15: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary directed officials to expedite the pending land acquisition process from Malpe to Karavali Junction on National Highway 169A and commence the highway works at the earliest.
He was speaking while chairing a progress review meeting on the NH 169A project at the district collectorate court hall in Manipal on Monday.
The MP said the Malpe–Thirthahalli stretch of NH 169A in the district is in its final stage. However, works have been held up at certain locations due to incomplete land acquisition. He directed the Revenue Department and National Highways authorities to coordinate and complete the pending land acquisition process without delay.
He also stressed the need to pay appropriate compensation to landowners and said there should be no further delay in the highway project. “It is not proper for officials to remain negligent despite repeated meetings being held to resolve the issues,” he said.
Regarding the pending land acquisition at Perkal, Poojary said Rs 8.25 crore has been deposited in court. Of the 419-metre stretch involving 13 persons, only one landowner has approached the court. He directed officials to conduct a fresh survey, resolve the issue and commence the work.
He said the pending 2.69-km land acquisition from Hiriyadka to Perdoor has been completed. In the Hebri-Padigar area, the Forest Department has granted permission for felling trees along a 1.4-km stretch, but the removal of trees is yet to be completed. He directed Forest Department officials over the phone to complete the process immediately.
Poojary said Rs 72 crore has been released for the highway work from Hebri to the Agumbe Ghat. He directed officials to prepare the DPR for the Hebri–Agumbe stretch at the earliest and take up the road development works.
Deputy commissioner Swaroop T.K. directed officials to issue notices to landowners whose land has been acquired and expedite the disposal of pending court cases. He said unnecessary delays in the project should not be allowed.
The land acquisition process for the 1.18-km stretch from Kalmadi to Malpe Harbour has been completed. The engineers were directed to commence the work from Tuesday.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna directed officials to prepare a list of people who have lost land for the highway project and are yet to receive compensation. He suggested meeting each of them personally, discussing their issues and resolving them at the earliest.
Karkala mla V. Sunil Kumar, additional deputy commissioner Abheej Gadyal, Kundapur assistant commissioner Rashmi, sdditional superintendent of police Sudhakar Naik, Udupi City Municipal commissioner Mahantesh Hangargi, assistant executive engineers of the Sringeri-Chikkamagaluru National Highway Division and others were present at the meeting.