Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 18: The construction of the overpass at Nanthoor junction in the city was progressing at a good pace. However, the entire process has been stalled due to a stay order issued by the high court (HC) preventing the removal of the Miyawaki forest.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had planned to commence work in October and had started clearing trees and leveling the hill on three sides. However, on October 9, the HC issued a notice to NHAI, instructing them not to remove the Miyawaki forest until further orders.

Vana Charitable Trust of the city established the Miyawaki forest with sponsorship from Singin International and Biocon Foundation. These companies filed a writ petition in the HC opposing the removal of the Miyawaki forest.

Although the Nanthoor flyover project was initially planned in 2001, it was canceled as the houses of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and an underground cable network were not removed. The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) granted permission to grow the Miyawaki forest in 2021, and it was inaugurated on June 5, 2022, on Environment Day. The forest now includes over 1,000 plants.

While the initial plan involved the removal of the Miyawaki forest, the responsibility was handed over to the local corporator. Ninety-nine trees near the junction were cut down after obtaining permission from the forest department. The ground near the apartment adjacent to the junction has been leveled, leaving a two-meter space. The MCC initially demanded Rs 2.5 crore to relocate the drinking water pipeline, but this amount was reduced to Rs 70 lac, and the pipeline will be shifted.

A demand of Rs 4.5 crore was made to remove Mescom electricity poles and cables, which was later agreed to be done for Rs 60 lac after extensive discussions. The telephone exchange company has agreed to remove their cables independently as they were laid without prior permission.

The statue of Srinivasa Mallya, located opposite Bhagawan Babbuswamy Daivastana, will need to be relocated. Additionally, the compound wall of the SC students' hostel needs to be demolished and rebuilt. The demolition of a commercial complex is also pending. NHAI officials have stated that they will only commence flyover construction after the service road is completed.

Abdulla Javed Azmi, project director of NHAI, said, “The work on the Nanthoor Junction overpass was supposed to begin in October after acquiring 90% of the land. Currently, 83% is available. The HC stay on the removal of the Miyawaki forest, which was grown with MCC's permission, has slowed down the project. We plan to present the ground-level situation to the court. Once the stay is lifted, the project will be completed within 24 months.”