Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Mar 3: The local town municipality undertook a drive to clear the drainage that had been occupied unauthorizedly 15 years back. Municipal councillor representing seventh ward here, Sridhar Sheregar, led the encroachment clearance operation. A stone edict was found during the operation.

Udaya Jewellers located near Mylareshwara Road adjacent to Chkkensal Road that falls under the seventh ward here had covered the drainage passing by the shop by placing stone slabs 15 years ago. A car shed had been built over these slabs. As such, the sediment which got accumulated in the drain on this patch could not be removed thereafter, as a result of which rain water used to enter houses in the locality. This drain was also being used as walkway in the past to reach Sasihithlu nearby, and the people of Sashithlu were forced take a detour after their path was encroached upon. Although the people had been demanding for clearing of this encroachment, the municipality had not shown the inclination to do so.

Municipal councillor representing this ward, Sridhar Sheregar, had been putting efforts to get this drain cleared, since the last three and half years. He finally succeeded in convincing the owner of the shop and owners of land located on both sides of this patch to clear the encroachment. On Thursday morning, a backhoe hired by the municipality was pressed into service to clear the encroachment.

During the removal of accumulated sediment, a stone edict that apparently pertains to god was found. The edict bears carvings of sun and moon atop with three horizontal Namams below it. On the face of it, it seems to signify that Lord Shiva is eternal, and he will be there till sun and moon exist.

Municipal councillor, Sridhar Sheregar, said that the municipal area can achieve development if people voluntarily cooperate for the drive to clear encroachments.