Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Apr 22: Concerns over infrastructure delays, alleged irregularities, and administrative gaps took centre stage at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held on Tuesday at the Nethravathi Hall of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat.

The meeting, convened to review centrally sponsored schemes, was chaired by Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta and attended by officials from various departments.

Kulur bridge delay draws sharp criticism

A major highlight of the meeting was the continued delay in the construction of the Kulur bridge in Mangaluru. Expressing strong displeasure, the MP pulled up officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for repeatedly extending the project deadline.

While officials had earlier assured that the work would be completed by the end of March, they have now revised the timeline to June. Criticising the repeated postponements, Chowta urged authorities to rely on accurate ground assessments rather than contractor inputs and warned against giving unrealistic assurances. The delay has caused severe inconvenience to commuters, with concerns that the upcoming monsoon could further worsen traffic congestion.

Allegations of land acquisition irregularities

Beltangady MLA Harish Poonja alleged large-scale irregularities in land acquisition for a national highway project in Kuvettu village. He claimed that compensation was disbursed without the actual acquisition of land, citing a specific case where Rs 44 lac was paid despite no land being taken over. Terming it a systematic scam, the MLA alleged the involvement of officials and intermediaries and demanded a thorough investigation.

DGP reviews law and order

Director General of Police (DGP) Dr M A Saleem stated that law and order in Dakshina Kannada has remained stable over the past year. After chairing a review meeting at the city police commissioner’s office, he urged officials to maintain peace and strengthen public-police relations. He also assured that transfer requests from police personnel, particularly those from North Karnataka, would be addressed in a phased manner.

Transfer row involving police commissioner

Meanwhile, a controversy surfaced involving Mangaluru police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy over the delay in relieving a constable four months after a transfer order was issued. Family members of the constable approached the DGP, alleging an undue delay. When questioned by the media, the DGP declined to comment on the matter.

Major infrastructure projects announced

On the development front, NHAI officials informed that the tender process for a six-lane flyover from Baikampady to KIOCL in Kulur has been completed. An underpass at the Baikampady junction has also been sanctioned to ease traffic flow.

Additionally, long-pending service road works between Bappanadu and Haleangady are set to commence soon following necessary clearances. These projects are expected to significantly improve movement along the Mangaluru-Udupi national highway.