Ganesh Prabhu/The Hindu

• Site for the construction of the complex is a major issue 
• Proposed complex can accommodate 40 Government departments
• Move to construct the complex at End Point in Manipal

Udupi, Oct 7: Though nine years have elapsed since Udupi district was formed, the district offices complex has remained a dream. Even finding a proper site for the construction of the complex has become an issue.

The State Government has allotted Rs. 16 crore for the construction of the complex. At present, Government offices are located in different places, forcing the people to move from one place to another to get their work done. The proposed complex would house 40 government departments.

The State Government in its order of August 21, 1999, had decided to construct the complex with staff quarters at End Point. It had also reserved land of 31.43 acres at End Point in Manipal. But this proposal was given up owing to some complications.

Government orders

The Government then issued an order on August 12, 2002, to construct the complex on 6.22 acres of land near the office of the Superintendent of Police. But the officials opposed it.

A proposal was then made to construct the complex on 15 acres of land at Ajjarkad. But environmentalists opposed it, as many trees would have to be felled for the construction and 70 government quarters located at Ajjarkad would have to be demolished, they said. This proposal too was given up.

Now there is a move to construct the complex at End Point in Manipal, which has also run into a controversy. MLA Raghupati Bhat told The Hindu that he wanted the complex to come up at End Point in Manipal.

"There is no land in Udupi to construct the complex. A minimum of 10 acres of land is required for the complex. Manipal is just six km from Udupi. The proposed complex can come up on 12 acres of land at End Point.

But an educational institution approached the court and obtained a stay order", Mr. Bhat said.

Suitable location

Pro-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education H.S. Ballal said it would be better if the complex came up in Udupi, especially as all other government offices were located there.

Manipal is an educational campus. The peace of the campus would be disturbed if the Complex came up at Manipal as most of the protests and "dharnas" are normally held in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office, he said.