Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Mar 16: The long-awaited issue of widening of the main road in the town, which had remained a contentious issue since many years, got forward momentum, with some people voluntarily removing roofs and other structures from the roadside on Tuesday March 15.

On Tuesday, several shopkeepers and residents removed things like roofs and compound walls which blocked the road expansion programme, while a medical practitioner vacated the entire building which was used by him as a clinic. The voluntary act was particularly evident near Lord Venkataramana Temple here.

It may be recalled that the proposal to widen the road between Bandimutt and Anantashayana in the town had remained on paper, and a number of meetings were held at the instance of the district deputy commissioner to sort out the issue. The deputy commissioner had asked the residents to leave seven feet on both sides, in addition to vacating the encroachment of government land. It is expected that about a quarter of the 150 houses and shops which were asked to vacate, will do so within a couple of days. The municipality has received indications of willingness from a number of people in this connection.

The district administration has asked the local municipality to help those who are prepared to vacate their land and building voluntarily for road widening. One of the concessions they will be eligible to, is said to be concession from road margin condition if they want to construct buildings on roadside. However, no steps or roofs can be built within seven feet on either side of the road, it is gathered.

A number of people had expressed apprehension that the basic structure of the buildings will turn weak if they go back by seven feet. Such buildings will be got assessed by an engineer shortly, and further steps would be taken. Those who stoutly defy the vacation proposal, will then be called for a meeting with the deputy commissioner, it is learnt.

In the meanwhile, steps are also being taken to shift the present bus stand, which is dilapidated, to Bandimutt, where concreting work has been completed at a cost of Rs 1.10 crore, and huge high mast lights have been set up. The work of constructing roadside drain, toilet, and passengers’ shelter are progressing. In all probability, the bus stand will be shifted to the new venue in April this year.