Slew of development projects kindle hopes of Karkala becoming city
R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)
Karkala, Sep 5: If all goes well, Karkala may well become the next big city of the coastal region of Karnataka.
The state government has given the green signal to several development projects under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) that were not heard of before in Karkala town. If the central government approves them, the dream of Karkala becoming a city will not be far from reality.
The projects will be implemented with the joint participation of central government, state government and local organizations. The central government will finance 50%, state government 40% and the remaining amount will be raised by the local organizations.
Among the works under the plan, three main roads will be opened for two-lane traffic and a new bridge will be constructed.
The construction of two-lane roads from Bhavani mill to three roads measuring 1.2 kilometers will cost Rs 6.5 crores and that from Kuntalpadi to Anekere that is 1.6 kilometers long will require Rs 10.50 crores. The 2.3 kilometers long road from Anantashayana to Thellaru hanging bridge and construction of new Thellaru hanging bridge will cost Rs 12 crore.
Karkala municipality has prepared a detailed list of the projects and has handed it over to deputy commissioner Dr M T Reju. Besides that, the development committee of small and medium towns has approved the projects. Central government’s approval is awaited. Karkala citizens are excited by the developments.
The improvements will change the face of Karkala.
Indifference of Udupi zilla panchayat
The highway from Krishankshetra to Kuntalpadi is under the control of Udupi zilla panchayat. As the road passes through municipality office, Udupi zilla panchayat is reluctant to maintain the road. Karkala municipality has repaired the road several times. Thellar hanging bridge too comes under the purview of Udupi zilla panchayat but the department has shown no interest either to repair or construct a new bridge in its place. So the Karkala municipality has come forward to conduct the work under small and medium sized town development project.