Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Mar 7: Former MP Jayaprakash Hegde on Monday March 7 sought to clear the air over the issue of construction of a cattle underpass at Ambalpady junction, and stood by the letter he had written to former union minister Oscar Fernandes on the matter.

During a recent protest demanding underpass at Ambalpady junction, it was alleged that J P Hegde had written to Oscar Fernandes when the latter was union minister for road transport, in which Hegde recommended the construction of a foot overbridge at the junction instead of an underpass.

Clarifying his stand on the issue during a press meet here on Monday, J P Hegde said that instead of a vehicle underpass, a cattle underpass measuring only 3.5 metres in width had been proposed, which would not be suitable, "Cattle underpass will not be suitable at Ambalpady junction. Instead of cattle underpass, an elevated foot overbridge with escalator will be more beneficial for people, especially the old. On February 19, 2014, I wrote a letter to Oscar Fernandes regarding this. Within a couple of weeks of writing it, the Lokasabha was disolved and the parliament election was announced in 2014. At that time it was impossible to take a decision. Moreover Oscar's house was located close to the Ambalpady junction. He knew the ground reality of the busy highway better than others. He would have known the merits and demerits of any decision. But the letter is yet to be finalized.

"Underpass without service road will put commuters into problem, while the elevated foot overbridge with escalator will serve them better. Maintenance of the cattle underpass will also be problematic, as there may be chances of water logging and stagnation. But a vehicle underpass with sufficient width of at least 10 metres like that of at Karavali junction is preferred," he said.

"Let the survey committee do another survey and if I am invited, I will join in and give suggestions," he added.

"When there was problem in Kumbashi regarding cattle underpass, the people demanded its withdrawal and I bowed to their demand. In this case, I will stand by my letter.

"I got opportunity to work only for 1.8 years. I have worked as per the wishes of the people. If people want a change in the plan, I have no objection, and if they want my explaination or suggestion, I will participate in meetings and discussions if I am invited," he said.

Regarding pending 94 CC applications on land authorisation, he said, "As there was problem in software, the process of providing title deeds has been delayed. Kumki rights applications are pending. If farmers' land is taken away, they should get proper market price for it. There is also the problem of cancellation of BPL cards."

Commenting on the poor performance by Congress in the recent zilla and taluk panchayat polls in Brahmavar, he said, "Voters defeated Congress in Brahmavar. If I had not been expelled from the party, Congress would have got at least 15 or 16 seats more."

Asked whether he would consider joining the BJP, he said, "I have not taken any decision about my future yet. I will discuss with my supporters and then decide."

Kishore Shetty, Anup Shetty, Godwin Menezes and Prashant Kalmady were present.