Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP) 

Udupi, Feb 1: Tiger circle could never have escaped the attention of those who have visited Manipal. The circle, which had contributed to the grandeur of the junction at Manipal, will has now become a part of our memory. Manipal, which happens to be a hub of education and medical care, known all over the country and abroad, is visited everyday by people from various parts of the country and elsewhere. Everyone therefore could identify Tiger Circle, a landmark. 

The circle has been demolished. It cannot be denied that its demolition caused emotional agony for many. The circle was razed on the night of Monday as it was obstructing widening work of national highway 169A between Malpe, Manipal and Parkala. The place where the majestic circle once stood has now been leveled and concreted. 

Additional policemen have been deployed at the spot to regulate traffic, and warning boards have been planted on the road. 

Some say that a few decades back, there was a small shop by the side of the circle, which was frequented by students to buy stationery. Elderly people from here recollect having seen a couple of tigers moving about this area and roaring occasionally at around 7 pm. People used to wait to see the tigers then, as it gave them a thrilling experience. The tigers however never harmed anyone, they say. 

Some other reminisce that entire Manipal was then covered in thick forest known as Kundelu Kadu. Buses were rare and moved about with a gap of not less than an hour between them about six to seven decades ago, says Atmaram Nayak (75), who runs Manipal Store near the circle. He confesses that tears rolled down his cheeks at the sight of the circle getting demolished. This is the price one pays for development, he agrees. 

Local auto rickshaw drivers say that they were emotionally connected with the circle. They insist that a circle is needed at this spot as otherwise Manipal would be split into two horizontally.  They also recollected that the fountain provided at the circle in the past had developed problems about a year ago, and when it was opened, smelly water had squirted on to the clothes of the people around. They therefore feel that fountain should not be provided here, and only diversion will serve the purpose. 

Already some like-minded people have  started '#Save TigerCircle' Facebook page for campaigning for rebuilding Tiger Circle. The junction where the circle was located has dense vehicular traffic.  Unless the circle is created here, people will have a hard time going to Madhava Nagara from here. 

Tourist buses coming in from Bengaluru, Mangaluru etc used to take a U-turn at this junction and wait there for some time. Even for private buses, there is no specific spot to park buses in Udupi. Therefore, some sources claim that there is a plan to build a bus bay by the side of the circle. 

The demand for reconstruction of Tiger Circle, with which locals had an emotional relationship, has been gaining momentum.   Only time will tell whether the national highways department will accede to this demand or execute some other project.