Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, Oct 6: “Members of Belman Tollgate Kendra Horata samiti will stage mass protests against the state government opposing its decision to collect toll from the commuters in Belman with effect from October 15,” said N Suhas Hegde, president of the Horata samithi.
Addressing press conference at Udupi press club on Saturday, October 6 he said that there are three tollgates between Belman and Surathkal. “It is unfortunate that the government has taken a hasty decision to construct a Tollgate near Government junior college, Belman on the state highway that connects Padubidri and Karkala giving a shocker to the people of Belman and neighbouring villages. Government has secretly tendered the contract to Mithra Info Solutions to collect toll with effect from October 15. We have decided to condemn and protest against the exploitation by the government. A mass protest march is scheduled with people from 27 neighbouring villages joining hands, voluntary support by all religious centres, vehicle owner's associations, social organizations, bus owner's association, auto unions, various local organizations, elected representatives and others,” he said.
He said that it is four years since the road was constructed. “Media has always supported the mission. There was no proposal to construct a toll gate here till recently. The road is mostly frequented by local vehicles and tourist vehicles. Vehicles from outside are rare here. Mangaluru city is only 50 kms away from Belman. This being third toll gate in a row, it is nothing but an attempt to exploit poor people of villages,” he said.
“This is going to be the first ever built Tollgate on a state highway. The government should cancel the tender immediately and forgo plans to collect toll on this highway. We are organizing mass protests on Sunday, October 7 at 9.30 am keeping these demands in front of the government. At least ten thousand people from 27 villages around Belman are expected to join protest march,” he said.
Sarvajna Thanthri, Shashidhar Shetty Nandalike and Hariprasad were present.