Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Aug 16: Raghupati Bhat, former MLA, Udupi, said in a press meet that Chandrashekhar, co-ordinator, Association of Radio and TV Engineering Employees (ARTEE), is showing a personal interest in construction of the Akashavani compound wall at Brahmavar.

“On August 8, 2015, a second Saturday, All India Radio (AIR) started construction work without any notice along with police protection. A case is also pending in the court. The co-ordinator lacks knowledge about the reality of the place and is refusing to consider the public’s interest,” said Bhat.

There is no alternate road for Kallubettu and Malthar region. It is a residential area with nearly 200-300 houses and they have not left any space for a road. The public opines that the road is too congested and so there should be at least 5 ft space from the edge of concrete for widening the road. It will help the smooth moving of vehicles along one way. So, during the construction work on Saturday, the local people objected to this with the help of some political leaders.

Bhat alleged that Chandrashekhar had threatened the people that if anyone tries to obstruct the work, he will file a case against them.

Actually, the Madras authority had sanctioned funds for renovation in 1972 for the compound wall. On this basis, their contractors started the work in the month of May and dug the foundation to about six or seven feet. Soon after starting the work, the public objected to this and demanded five feet of space. So far no action has been taken. Now, the place is posing danger to the locals, especially children.

Controversially, Chandrashekhar conducted a press meet in Mangaluru defending his stance. He said that the existing road around the area is the property of AIR as the organization had purchased around 14.10 acre from the revenue department in 1971. “It also purchased around 8.86 acre of private land in 1972. Hence, there is no question of leaving the land for the widening of the road,” he clarified.

Chandrashekhar suspects foul play by some vested interests in the entire episode which has caused the national public service broadcaster to suffer. He also said that they are just monitoring the administration and a decision will be taken by the central government.

As a whole, the problem will not end unless there is an open discussion between the Akashvani management and local politicians. Naranjan, Thaniyappa, and Satish Pai were present.