Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 5:  Navayuga Udupi Tollway Private Limited has initiated efforts to clear shops near the Talapady toll gate on Friday, July 5. Local residents and Talapady grama panchayat members have appealed to officials to cease the operation. Consequently, the toll plaza officials have set a deadline of July 20 for the shops to be vacated, with demolition threatened for non-compliance.

According to a Supreme Court order from March 2024, roadside shops from Kundapura to Talapady are required to be vacated. Notices were initially issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in March, targeting vendors who had not complied. Some vendors had sublet their spaces or sold them, expecting enforcement.

Timmiah, senior manager at Navayuga Udupi Tollway, stated, "As per the Supreme Court order, shops within 60 to 90 feet of the highway must be vacated. After multiple notices, today marks the final deadline. We will proceed with demolitions if necessary."

Siddique Talapady from Gadinadu Rakshana Vedike voiced concerns, saying, "Forceful eviction attempts have begun near Talapady plaza. We request leniency, particularly for long standing businesses like a milk shop operating for 22 years."

The company plans to upgrade infrastructure, including converting street lights to LED and conducting service road and drainage works post-monsoon. Community concerns about fair implementation of the eviction order, especially concerning those on government land, have been raised.

The situation remains dynamic as stakeholders negotiate the balance between legal directives and community livelihoods.