Pics: Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Feb 11: Toll collection which had been suspended due to strong protest on Friday February 10 at the Gundmi tollgate of Navayuga Infrastructure on national highway 66 resumed early morning today amid tight security. Police circle inspector, Srikant Rao, and additional superintendent of police, Vishnuvardhan, oversaw law and order situation, and about a hundred-strong contingent of police personnel was present to handle any eventuality.

Vehicles bearing Udupi (KA20) registration numbers were allowed to move freely without payment of toll charges at the gate.

Although Section 144 had been promulgated within a two-kilometre radius of the tollgate, Heddari Ulisi committee members along with locals gathered at Shiva Kripa auditorium near Sastan. After holding discussions, they moved in a procession towards the tollgate, raising slogans against collection of toll charges. They were arrested on the way before they could reach the tollgate. The people were stuffed into vehicles which were kept ready for the purpose. When the engine of one these vehicle failed to start, police personnel joined together to give the vehicle a push, which provided some entertainment for the onlookers. Some of the protestors tried to squat or lie down on the road, but their efforts were foiled.

Additional superintendent of police, Vishnuvardhan, said that the 90 persons who were arrested from near Gundmi tollgate, have been kept in an auditorium at Dharmavara near Brahmavar. In all likelihood, they will be released from there in the evening, it is gathered.

Speaking on the occasion, MLC, Kota Srinivas Poojary, directed his anger at the district administration, He said that the administration had promised to conduct survey and confirm that at least 90 percent of the work was completed before starting toll collection. He said he is upset by the way in which the administration broke its own assurance and permitted the concerned to start toll collection. He stressed that lot of work including service roads and drains are pending and the administration was wrong in allowing toll charges collection.

Srinivas Poojary also recalled that during the meeting held by the deputy commissioner with various officials and people's representatives, it had been agreed that public works department has to prepare a survey report within four days, and toll collection would be permitted only if the report shows the progress of work beyond 90 percent. He said that the report has been prepared now, and as per its findings, the completed portion of work is way below the stipulated 90 percent. He said that the district administration had erred in violating this stipulation.

Poojary said that detailed discussions with the administration and other leaders will be held again on the plan of action over this aspect on Monday February 13.

The others in the committee also rued the fact that toll charges were being collected without providing basic amenities as mandated by the project agreement. They asserted that they are not against the collection of toll charges, but were protesting toll collection without completing highway and other miscellaneous works as agreed upon earlier.