Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Apr 11: Heated arguments ensued between locals of Parkala and the officials of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday April 11, who were officiating road widening work in Parkala town area.

The road widening work had to begin on Sunday. When the equipment and excavator arrived for the demolition process, locals on the spot argued that they were not served any notice about the demolition.

Udupi City Municipal Council councillor Ramesh Kanchan, social activist Amruth Shenoy and other local leaders of different parties objected the move to demolish the buildings without serving notice. The agitators also called for the presence of NHAI engineer on the spot.

Manipal police intervened and the issue was then clarified in the presence of NHAI engineer Nagaraj Nayak.

Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat also visited the spot and assured that as soon as the land owners clear their buildings, the demolition process will be continued.

Udupi municipality president Sumithra Nayak, BJP leader Mahesh Thakoor were also present.

Speaking to the localities NHAI engineer Nagaraj said, “Notification under section 3D of NH Act is the final notification. After this, the land will fall under central government’s authority. We had called the meeting and many a times, we had clarified the issue also.”

Congress leader Ramesh Kanchan and Amruth Shenoy accused the workers of rude behaviour and also stated that how they could demolish the building even before the electricity supply was cut off.