Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Apr 15: Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava on Friday April 15 informed that chief minister Siddaraimaiah will lay the foundation for the construction of four-lane concrete road from Suratkal junction to railway bridge, stretching about 800 metres, and for the construction of an alternative market in Suratkal, on April 21.

While the four-lane concrete road is being constructed at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore, the market will be constructed at Rs 1.8 crore.

Addressing a press meet here, Bava said, "Suratkal is among the rich constituencies in Karnataka with many industries located in this region. But in spite of being located in Suratkal, no corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments are made by these companies in this part. All these companies had agreed to invest 2 percent in this area during inception. So now I have requested these companies to contribute in building a four-lane concrete road from Suratkal to MRPL at the cost of Rs 50 crore. In order to ensure these companies contribute, I have initiated the first step to construct the four-lane concrete road from Suratkal junction to railway bridge at Rs 2.8 crore under Chief Minister's fund.

"I had promised in my election manifesto that I would build a market in Suratkal. We have already prepared the project report for a plan with an outlay of Rs 130 crore, and now it is up to the state government to approve. In order to speed up this process, a small market will be built parallel to Suratkal market at Suratkal central maidan at a cost of Rs 1.8 crore. There are about 85 vendors who will be relocated to this new temporary market. I have urged the chief minister to lay foundation for these projects, and he has agreed to do so during his visit to Mangaluru on April 21," he said.

Moving on to other issues, Bava said, "The central government has bought a law under which statutory warning has to cover 85 percent of the beedi pack. As a result of this, many beedi factories have closed down the production which has in turn affected the livelihood of poor beedi workers. We welcome the move on health grounds, but what about the beedi workers? Hence, I request the central government to reconsider this decision and convene a meeting with the beedi factory owners and come to a conclusion on this matter."

On the murder attempt on a young BJP leader at Krishnapura by some miscreants, Bava said, "I condemn this attack. I have already urged the DCP to arrest the culprits within 24 hours. People should not get the wrong message that just because I belong to one particular community, I would protect the culprits. Whichever community the culprits belong to, stern action needs to be taken against those who disturb peace in the society."

Panchayat member Giriyappa, former panchayat member Celine Fernandes, Shekar and others were present.