Bhatkal: Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister, Mankal Vaidya, expressed outrage at IRB as the national highway faced severe flooding issues during the rainy season. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to investigate the problems caused by IRB. If the highway issue remains unresolved, he instructed them to file a criminal case and halt toll collection.

Upon learning about the Bhatkal National Highway turning into a pond during heavy rains, MLA Mankal Vaidya left the assembly session in Bangalore and promptly arrived in Bhatkal on Thursday evening. He accompanied IRB officials to assess the challenges faced by the affected areas due to the rain.
 

Mankal criticized IRB, stating that they failed to comprehend the problems faced by the people. Even their engineers are unable to find a solution to the problem. He instructed the officers to bring the village map so that he could pinpoint the location and dimensions of the drainage issue.

بھٹکل: منکال ہوئے آئی آربی افسران پرگرم؛ پوچھا شاہراہ کی تعمیرمکمل کئے بغیرکیوں وصول کیا جارہا ہے ٹول؟ کمپنی والوں پرکریمنل کیس دائر کرنے کی دی ہدایت

Mankal instructed the Deputy Commissioner to halt toll collection if IRB fails to address the problem. Furthermore, he urged them to file a criminal case against the IRB company and involve the highway authority in the proceedings. He emphasized that without taking these measures, the problem would persist, causing continued suffering for the poor. Mankal expressed frustration over the delay and unscientific work, and emphasized the need for finding a solution.

Mankal also directed the Deputy Commissioner to demolish any illegal compounds obstructing the flow of water connected to the highway.

Several officials, including Assistant Commissioner Dr. N. Nayana, Tehsildar Thippeswamy, Municipal Chief Officer Suresh KM, Sujia Suman, and Bhatkal Block Congress President Venkatesh Naik, were present during the proceedings.