Mangalore: Good Bye Unsatisfactory 2007, Welcome Promising 2008
by Melka Miyar (RD)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Dec 31: Another year of profits, goodwill, chances, lost opportunities and broken promises has gone by. To be philosophical, we have become one more year closer to death now than in the last year. In other terms we have grown in life, profession, health, knowledge with abundant of new and worthy experiences. So as we turn our backs to one more year and welcome a new and promising year, here's a bird's eye-view on 2007 that is coming to an end.
The year 2007 was totally not a satisfactory year for the people of Karnataka. The state has been experiencing political anarchy now. On the other hand, the pathetic road condition of coastal area has turned the common man’s life into total misery.
The National Highway (NH) 17 which passes through the coastal area of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts had reached worst-ever condition. Finally, the people had to launch massive protest, in order to open the eyes of NH authorities and district administration. Few played cricket and some others played volleyball on the deserted national highway making a mockery of the administration and its lethargic attitude.
The political anarchy has affected the functioning of Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) too. Already 3 months have passed eversince the new corporators were elected. But the Mayor has not been elected so far. This has shattered the dreams of BJP corporators who have grabbed lion’s share in the MCC elections. The citizens of Mangalore city were expecting something worthwhile from these corporators. But the delay in the selection of Mayor has affected the developmental works.
Meanwhile, the city is facing traffic problems at many places. Superintendent of Police (SP) Satheesh Kumar had initially assured the citizens that he will give attention to solve the traffic chaos in the city. But the situation has worsened with each passing day owing to constant traffic bottlenecks. The construction of roads at Bejai and Balmata has compounded the already existing traffic woes. At the same time one cannot deny the fact that traffic has been increasing in the city in the last few years. But the need of the hour is to find permanent solutions in order to avoid regular traffic jam in the city.
Four Lane Work:
However there is some silver lining amidst all these tension, turmoil and chaos with the fast-paced work of four lane road between NIT-K in Suratkal and Bantwal gaining momemtum. The four lane work is going on in full swing and the construction of flyovers in many places is also going on smoothly now. One can imagine how nice it would be to travel between Suratlkal and B C Road, after the completion of four lane work.
The project director, Prashant Gavasane is hopeful of finishing the work between Mangalore and Suratkal, by the end of May 2008. Meanwhile, he has also assured that if everything goes on well as planned, the 37.472 kilometer-long four lane works will be finished by December 2008. But, some sensitive issues have proved hurdle for the completion of entire work. The heads of temples at Tadambail, Bangra Kuloor and Brahmarakutlu are not willing to sacrifice land for this work. Even the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials are not willing to take any forceful measures to acquire the land. Hence the work is going on a snail's pace.
Coastal Karnataka is growing rapidly after the introduction of international flights from Bajpe airport and resumption of passenger train services between Mangalore and Bangalore. Further, it has the potentials to grow. If due importance is not given to solve the long pending problems, the citizens will be the worst hit even in the next year. But let us hope that many problems hampering the growth of Mangalore into another major city will be paid attention to and solved in the coming year. Happy and Prosperous New Year 2008 to all.