Kumta: Assistant Commissioner Preeti Gehlot has stated that a survey will be conducted for the expansion of the main road in the town and only 18-meter area, which is needed for expansion will be utilised.

Speaking during a meeting, conducted to discuss about the expansion of main road in the town on Tuesday, she said, there are many traffic-related problems in the town. Hence, the survey and Urban Planning Division officials have been directed to expand the road according to the Master Plan, she added. 

Based on the survey report, further measures will be taken in this regard. The encroachers should vacate the space at the earliest. If the government had acquired the private properties for the expansion of the road, suitable compensation will be given to the landholders or owners, she said.

She also said that the public should come up with their problems and hold discussions with the executive officer before December 15. However, there is no need to hold discussions regarding shifting electric poles and parking facilities, she added.

Town Municipal Council Executive Officer M LK Suresh said that the road, which was constructed by the Department of Public Works has been handed over to the town municipal council and there is fund crunch to manage that road.

If the funds available with the municipal council were used for the management of this road, then the developmental works needed to be conducted by the council will face the shortage of funds, he clarified.

Businessman Das Shanubhag said, the Tata Marcopolo minibuses, which are presently plying between the town and Honnavar should be made to provide services in the town. Instead of plying the old buses of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses in the town, the Marcopolo buses should be plied, he asked.

He further asked the officials to provide parking facility near sub-registrar office and State Bank of India in the town, to avoid traffic congestion.

Executive Officer C T Naik, Land Records Assistant Director B K Sanjay and Urban Planning Division officer S Vishwa were present on the occasion.