Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 6: The confusion surrounding the proposed flyovers at Nanthoor and KPT on National Highway-66 will be resolved soon, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) working on modifying the designs. A clear picture is expected by the end of March, said deputy commissioner Darshan H V.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Press Club here on Thursday, the DC said the KPT flyover project has not been dropped. “Our objective is not merely to ease traffic congestion at Nanthoor or KPT. Keeping the city’s overall traffic management in mind, modifications are being made to the flyover designs,” he explained.
He said deliberations are underway on several aspects, including whether a flyover is required from Kuloor to Nanthoor, locations where service roads are necessary, the extent of land acquisition needed, and the gradients that must be maintained. “NHAI officials will submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) proposal to me by the end of March,” he added.
The DC further said discussions have also been held on developing bypasses to reduce traffic congestion in the city by connecting NH-66 on both sides, linking NH-66 to NH-75, and connecting NH-75 to NH-73.
On tourism, Darshan H V said there is a proposal to promote river tourism and water sports activities by utilising the Netravati, Phalguni, Nandini and Shambhavi rivers. Officials from the State Tourism Monitoring Unit have visited the district to encourage tourism activities in the three coastal districts and to help resolve related hurdles. They will also assist in implementing the decisions taken at a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on coastal tourism development, he said.
Providing an update on the Riverfront project, the DC said that 650 metres of the 2.1-km promenade on one side has been completed. Work has been delayed at a few locations due to court cases, but steps are being taken to resolve the litigation and complete the remaining works at the earliest.
Clarifying his stand on language usage, the DC said there is no opposition to the use of other languages. “No one has been stopped from using Tulu, Konkani or other languages along with Kannada in the district. I have not issued any order mandating the exclusive use of Kannada. I recently instructed the Kannada Jagruti Samiti to monitor the mandatory use of Kannada on name boards. That does not mean Tulu or Konkani should not be used,” he clarified.
Responding to a question on Pilikula Biological Park, the DC said the high court has not ordered the closure of the zoo, and no such directive has been received. “The increasing number of animals is a sign of the zoo’s good health. It is true that the number of animals has exceeded the capacity. Final-stage discussions have been held to bring Pilikula under the Karnataka Zoo Authority. Talks have been conducted regarding management expenses and revenue sharing,” he said.