Bhatkal: The Uttara Kannada district administration has announced a resolution to the controversy surrounding the relocation of the Murinkatte structure during the ongoing widening of National Highway 66 in Bhatkal, stating that the structure will be reconstructed at its original location within the highway divider.

According to a press release issued by Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, objections had been raised by local residents, social organisations and various stakeholders over the proposal to relocate the Murinkatte structure as part of the highway expansion project.

The administration said the concerns and sentiments of the local community were taken into consideration before arriving at a decision.

Following discussions with the concerned authorities, it was decided that the structure would be reconstructed at its existing site within the central divider of the highway, ensuring that the road-widening work proceeds without disruption while also respecting public sentiment.

The district administration stated that a mutually acceptable solution was reached after consultations with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Necessary steps will now be taken to reconstruct the structure, and efforts will be made to complete the work at the earliest.

The Deputy Commissioner said the resolution was made possible through coordinated efforts by the district administration, public representatives and local leaders. The administration expressed hope that the decision would put an end to the controversy and facilitate the smooth execution of the highway expansion project.

Tanzeem's Stand
Earlier on Tuesday, BJP leaders led by Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri addressed a press conference welcoming the administration's decision and expressing satisfaction over the amicable resolution of the issue. They hailed the move to reconstruct the Murinkatte structure at its original location, saying it reflected the administration's willingness to respect public sentiment while facilitating the smooth execution of the NH-66 expansion project.

The decision has now also been welcomed by Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, one of the largest social organisations representing the Muslim community in the region.

Speaking to SahilOnline, Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandari, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. Nadvi, Advocate Imran Lanka and other members of the delegation said officials of the district and taluk administrations, along with representatives of the NHAI, had held consultations with a delegation of the Tanzeem before arriving at the decision.

They said it was mutually agreed that the Murinkatte structure would be reconstructed at its original site within the highway divider.

According to the organisation, the decision has been accepted by the local Muslim community and there are no objections to the reconstruction being carried out at the agreed location.

The Tanzeem leaders expressed hope that the amicable resolution of the issue would help preserve communal harmony and enable the highway expansion work to proceed without further controversy.