Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, Oct 19: Residents of Hosaadu gram panchayat are expressing outrage over the expansion of National Highway-66 and poor construction practices, which are causing significant losses for farmers and frequent accidents at the Mullikatte junction. Local leader Pradeep Shetty has called for immediate action to address these pressing concerns.

During a press conference at the Hosaadu gram panchayat office, Shetty stated, "The highway expansion has eliminated space for rainwater drainage. Water from the highway and nearby properties is flooding into Hosaadu, damaging the compounds of several homes. Contaminated well water is affecting 250 acres of agricultural land, pushing some farmers to abandon their crops."

He criticised the lack of proper drainage, which leads to flooding with every rain. "Highway contractors must build a concrete drainage system from Mowadi to the Sauparnika river in Arate. If not, we will be compelled to protest on the road," he warned.

Former Hosaadu gram panchayat president H K Chandrashekar Poojari added that residents must navigate the hazardous junction to access essential services like the grama panchayat and post office. "Despite our persistent requests for a service road, we have had no response. We will approach MPs and the DC regarding these issues, and if they remain unresolved, we will unite for a roadblock."

Shetty also criticised the lack of basic infrastructure during the highway expansion, stating that the district administration has yet to address their needs.

He demanded the construction of a service road from Mowadi Cross to Mullikatte Arate, the installation of streetlights, and the creation of bus stops on both sides of the Mullikatte junction. "We also require an underpass or an overbridge," he asserted.

Local leaders M M Suvarna and Vishwanath Shetty also expressed their concerns during the discussion.