The Hindu

Udupi, Jan 29: Deputy Commissioner P. Hemalatha on Thursday reiterated that the district administration was committed to making Car Street a “vehicle-free zone” to provide enhanced security to the Sri Krishna Math/Temple.

She was presiding over a meeting of residents and shopkeepers of the Car Street here. Ms. Hemalatha said that intelligence agencies had come to know that there was a threat to five temples in the State, including the Sri Krishna Temple. Already, 35 policemen and Karnataka State Reserve Police team were working in three shifts for the security of the temple. But, vehicles had to be banned on the Car Street. Gates and metal detectors would be fixed at the four roads leading to the Car Street. Two buggies would be pressed into service to help elderly persons in visiting the temple from the gates, she said.

As there were many shops on the Car Street, vehicles would be allowed to reach them during designated times for loading and unloading of goods. The administration had identified the spots for parking of two-wheelers and four-wheelers outside the security zone. “I am open to positive suggestions in this matter,” Ms. Hemalatha said.

Superintendent of Police Pravin Pawar said that ban on traffic on Car Street was essential. Enhanced security would be provided through CCTV and multi-layer screening.

Balram Bhat of Palimar Math said the ban could be implemented in a phased manner. President of Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gujjady Prabhakar Nayak said that check on vehicular movement would help in enhancing the security and protecting the shopkeepers there.

Representative of Nalkubeedi Samiti Janardhan Bhandarkar said vehicular ban would affect the livelihood of 200 families. The move appeared to benefit real-estate dealers and builders as they could appreciate land prices around Car Street, he said. Manager of Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank said the ban would affect the businesses of four banks and six ATMs on Car Street.