Bhatkal: A delegation from the Bhatkal Taluk Nagrik Hitarakshana Samiti met with Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina on Wednesday to address the ongoing delays and defects in the construction of the National Highway four-lane project. They demanded prompt completion of the highway construction work. The delegation cautioned the Assistant Commissioner that if work does not commence within 15 days, they will organize a protest by closing the Shiroor toll plaza.

Led by Satish Kumar Naik, president of the Samiti, the delegation presented a list of issues regarding the delayed NH four-lane project. They highlighted the repeated accidents and fatalities occurring due to the single-lane road on the Mood Bhatkal Bypass. The Samiti held the state government directly responsible for these incidents.

Additionally, the delegation expressed concerns about environmental pollution caused by the slow progress of work, with only one JCB and one Hitachi machine operational near Urban Bank on the National Highway. They demanded either immediate cessation of this work or the deployment of additional machinery to expedite the project.

The ongoing underground drainage (UGD) work on the National Highway raised further questions about drainage routes during rainfall, indicating a lack of technical and scientific planning by the National Highways authorities. Furthermore, the delegation criticized the lack of communication regarding decisions on overbridges, flyovers, and level crossings, alleging misinformation and deception.

Inadequate divider work at Tengingundi Cross has resulted in accidents, highlighting incomplete tasks that require urgent attention.

The delegation reiterated their ultimatum: if work does not resume within the next 15 days, they will close the Shiroor toll plaza.

In response, the Assistant Commissioner assured the delegation of convening a meeting with highway authorities within a week, inviting their participation. The meeting will include representatives from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the contractor company IRB, and relevant officials. The committee reaffirmed their commitment to taking further action if work deadlines are not met.

In attendance were Secretary of Bhatkal Taluk Nagrik Hitarakshana Samiti Bhatkal, Advocate Imran Lanka, and members of the Samiti, including SM Naik, Inayatullah Shabandri, Rajesh Nayak, Ishwar Naik, Iqbal Suhail, KM Ashfaq, and Rabi Ruknuddin.