Bhatkal: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Uttara Kannada, Prabhuling Kavalikatti, announced that a report detailing the issues arising from the incomplete Four-lane National Highway across the district would be prepared. The report will be submitted by the district administration to the state government and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

After inspecting the work on the National Highway Four-lane from Karwar to Bhatkal Gorte, along with officials from the National Highway Department, IRB Company (the contractor), PWD, Drinking Water Supply, and Drainage Works Department, the DC addressed representatives from various social organizations in a meeting held at Bhatkal circuit house on Saturday. The DC mentioned that the report would be completed by Sunday evening and submitted to the government on Monday.

The DC emphasized that the public has expressed concerns in 25 different areas of the district. Despite toll collection commencing in 2020, the work remains incomplete. Merely asphalting the highway does not signify its completion if it remains inaccessible to the public. The report will encompass issues related to drainage problems found on the highway, problems stemming from the vacant bus stand and the insufficient alternative system, the accident-prone junction on the highway, as well as the upper and lower bridges.

The DC further clarified that appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the directives of the government.

Reiteration of Bhatkal's Issues during the Meeting:
Once again, local leaders in Bhatkal expressed their grievances about the unfinished highway widening work and the associated challenges to the Deputy Commissioner.

Rajesh Nayak, Satish Naik, Inayatullah Shabandari, Muhiddin Ruknuddin, Altaf Kharuri, Taufeeque Beary, Shrikant Naik, and other members of the Highway Development Horata Samithi stated that they have encountered no opposition from the public regarding the work in Bhatkal. There have been no significant conflicts on this matter. However, the progress has been delayed. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the undisclosed alteration of the highway widening project design, and they voiced concerns about carrying out highway work without constructing drains, which brings no benefits.

The leaders expressed their displeasure over the collection of toll fees from the people of Bhatkal at Gorte (Shiroor toll) in Bhatkal. They mentioned that people from Ankola, Kumta, Mangalore, and Udupi have managed to waive their tolls by protesting strongly. However, since the people of Bhatkal have not raised their voices, they have not been granted toll-free status.

A local resident, with tears in his eyes and a pained voice, presented the problems faced by the area due to the substandard highway widening work. He expressed his displeasure over the issues encountered by the entire area, especially during the rainy season. He emphasized that the problem extends beyond sewer water; water flows into their houses like a river in the Salmanabad area. Every year, household appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines break down, and it becomes challenging to relocate elderly family members. During the rainy season, people have to spend sleepless nights. He stated that he has been presenting these problems to various ministers and the DC for many years, but no solution has been provided. His words momentarily stunned the officers and members present at the meeting.

بھٹکل: اُترا کنڑا کے ڈی سی ضلع میں نامکمل فورلین نیشنل ہائی وے سے پیداشدہ مسائل پرحکومت اورنیشنل ہائی وے اتھارٹی کو پیش کریں گے رپورٹ

Several members advised officials to clean the drains and ensure that main drains remain unencroached.

The DC suggested that representatives from IRB and municipal engineers should come together to find a solution to the problem and proceed with a comprehensive plan.

National Highway Planning Officer Harikrishnan, IRB Chief General Manager Mohandas, and other officers, including Shrinivas, Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina, Municipal Chief Officer Suresh, and various other officers, were also present.

Important Meeting to be Held in Bhatkal on Monday, July 17: The Deputy Commissioner directed Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina to conduct a meeting at the municipal office on Monday, July 17, at 12 noon to address the issues arising from the highway in Bhatkal. The DC also instructed IRB CGM Mohandas to participate along with the municipal authorities.