Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (MS)

Beltangady, Jun 10: “Second phase development of Mangaluru-Villupuram national highway will include development of Punjalakatte to Charmadi. A grant of Rs 718 crore is sanctioned for the same. For the past one year bench marking, central marking and removal of tree surveys have taken place. But all of these are incomplete. According to the instructions of the government, resurveying needs to be done,” said Dr Y K Dinesh Kumar, deputy conservator of forests of Dakshina Kannada district.

Dr Dinesh spoke at the public appeal receipt programme that was held on Thursday at Beltangady with regards to cutting of trees.

NHAI assistant executive engineer Krishna Kumar said, “Two-way road will be built from Guruvayanakere to Charmadi Petrol bunk on a length of 9.5 km. at rural areas the road will be 18 to 20 meter wide. Tender process will complete in July. Rs 88 crore is earmarked for people who will lose their land during road development. Re survey will start soon.”

A committee will be formed after identifying trees that fall under Patta land, revenue and forest departments. Later the highway department has to buy these trees and get permission from forest department. Concerned people should be paid compensation also.

Sahyadri Sanchya group which has concern and love for nature have appealed to the forest department to shift the trees to other place and plant them. During road work all departments managing drainage, electricity poles should work in unison.