Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 11: “A bridge facilitating a free left turn towards Gundibail will be constructed to enable the smooth flow of traffic at Kalsanka Junction,” announced Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar.

Addressing the media at a press conference held on Monday, August 11, SP Hariram Shankar stated that the decision to install a traffic signal at Kalsanka Junction was taken during the tenure of the previous SP and DC. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the free flow of traffic towards Manipal from Udupi is not affected once the signal is operational.

“If traffic movement is hindered, there is no point in installing the signal. A bridge should be constructed over the tunnel to allow a free left turn for vehicles heading towards Gundibail,” he suggested.

Regulations for autos and shop timings

On various civic and law-and-order issues, SP Hariram Shankar said, “Regarding autorickshaw issues, a practical decision has been reached in consultation with the police, DC, and RTO. Legal measures will be finalised in the next RTA meeting.”

Speaking on the matter of shop closing timings, he clarified, “While liquor and sales-licensed shops have defined operating hours, other shops under the Shops and Establishments Act currently have no time restrictions. As per existing rules, these shops should close by 8 pm, but police are allowing them to remain open until 10–10:30 pm to avoid other issues, except for businesses with special permission.”

Bannanje divider and private security guards

Addressing concerns over the opening of the Bannanje divider, SP Shankar said, “Decisions will be made after RTA meeting discussions. No permission has been granted for private security guards posted by commercial building owners. Feedback was taken from shop owners, auto-rickshaw operators, bus operators, and local residents. While the matter was to be discussed in the meeting, recommendations were implemented immediately, and the issue will be taken up in upcoming committee meetings.”

District-wide anti-drug committees in educational institutions

SP Hariram Shankar also highlighted the launch of the Anti-Drug and Awareness Committee (ADAC) across schools and colleges in Udupi district. The initiative was officially launched on July 24 at Sri Narayana Guru Sabha Bhavan, Bannanje, in collaboration with the Udupi District Police. The campaign is being held under the slogan: “From Intoxication to a New Dawn – Our Focus Towards a Drug-Free India.”

He stressed the importance of joint efforts, saying, “Regular coordination between college authorities and the police can help prevent students from falling prey to drugs.”

ADACs have now been established in all 166 colleges across the district, including 120 PU colleges and 46 professional colleges. Each committee will consist of the principal, two staff members, and one student from each class, with a minimum of two female students. The jurisdictional Police Inspector or Sub-Inspector (Law and Order) will act as the nodal officer.

The committees will:

• Hold monthly meetings

• Conduct at least one awareness programme per month

• Include participation from a representative of the jurisdictional police station at every meeting

• Have the nodal officer attend once every three months

Additionally, 10% of students will be randomly selected each quarter for medical testing. Students who test positive for drug use will be treated with confidentiality, referred for personal counselling, and guided towards rehabilitation. The District Health Officer (DHO) will provide trained medical staff for testing, and local police will offer support where needed.

DySP CEN has been appointed as the district-level nodal officer. As the CEN charge currently lies in Karkala, SP Harsha will serve in this role. The committees will function under the leadership of the deputy commissioner and district magistrate of Udupi.