Kumta: "To safeguard the interest of few people, the government is planning to construct bypass highway in Kumta", alleged Advocate R.G Naik, president of Bypass Opposition Committee.

Addressing the press release held here at the private hotel in the town, he further said that few rich businessmen of the town, to save their buildings, are using political leaders to pressurize the government to construct four-lane bypass highway in Kumta rather than widening the existing highway into four-lane. If the bypass is done, hundreds of poor people will become homeless after losing their lands and properties. "Earlier, people in the villages have already sacrificed their lands for the construction of Konkan railways, where targeting again for the poor people's land in the name of the bypass will make them come on roads. Then how is it possible for them to lead a peaceful life?", he questioned.

Almost 88% of land for the highway is in the existing road, while to recover another 12%, it won't be much difficult, he added.

Further speaking, member of the committee, Ganesh Bhat, said, on 5th October, Friday, a massive protest rally will be held in the town, in which the owners of business establishments and offices in the town are appealed to participate in the protest and cooperate by keeping their respective establishments closed. 

There will be a lack of development in Kumta town if the bypass highway is constructed, so we ask every citizen of Kumta to take part in 'Protect Kumta' protest, said Nagesh Naik, a member of Bypass Opposition Committee.

On this occasion, other members of Committee Suresh Naik, Sailesh Naik, Suraj Naik Soni, Satish Chandavar and others were present.