Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM)
Mangalore, May 7: DK unit of Save National Highway Committee (Rashtriya Heddari Ulisi Horata Samithi) has decided to stage series of protests against National Highway Authority of India and district administration, from May 18 to May 22.
Speaking to media persons on Wednesday, May 7, Subhaschandra Shetty, secretary of the Samithi, said that, the district administration has failed to monitor the four-lane work which is under progress between Suratkal and B C Road. Along with this Prashant Gavasane, project director of this work has not been inspecting this work properly. Therefore, the work is delayed and there are no signs of finishing this work within the specified period. Citizens have decided to stage protest against the delay in work, he added.
There is threat for the life of commoners owing to the unscientific work carried out by the contractors. Laterite stone has been used for the retaining wall which is built in front of NITK in Suratkal. The wall has already developed cracks owing to this unscientific work. No alternative road has been arranged while carrying out work on the highway. Therefore, traffic jam has become common between Suratkal and Nantoor, he told.
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), which is supervising this project, has not marked areas through which the proposed four-lane road will run through. Therefore, BSNL and MESCOM have found it difficult to shift the underground cable lines for months. Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) has also delayed the shifting of water pipeline for the same reason. Therefore, work has been delayed for years, he alleged.
Locals residing along the highway have been consuming dust since months. Therefore, many of the locals are suffering from health problems. But the authorities have not taken any measures to control dust problem, Subhaschandra Shetty accused.
Protest will be staged at Suratkal on May 18, at Baikampady on May 19, at Kuloor on May 20, at Kottara Chowki on May 21 andat Kuntikan on May 22. Thousands of locals and traders will be participating in this protest by closing their shops, he said.
Dinesh Hegde Ulepadi, president of the Samithi and Harikrishna Punarur, honourary president of the Samithi were present on the occasion.