Kumta: A sudden stoppage on survey work for widening of Kumta town roads has created another confusion among the locals in the town. Few locals on Friday rushed to Town Municipality Council to inquire about this.
Quoting the circular issued by Karnataka state Government, Advocate R G Naik asked TMC chief to show the order issued by government for town road expansions. What is the reason behind stopping the survey work, he asked. He also asked whether Assistant commissioner is pressuring him? When will the work be resumed and when will be the next public meeting called, he questioned.
In response to his questions, TMC chief Suresh KM answered saying that the order to expand the road to 12 meters has already issued. Also, 18 meters expansion may also be proposed. However, it will be decided in meeting. MLA Dinakar Shetty had written to AC Preeti Gelote to carry road widening works in town, following a meeting was called on 27th November and accordingly survey was started, which has now stayed for a while. But there is no kind of political pressure on me. But I have also no idea about pressure on AC. A meeting with concerned authorities will be called on 24th December to take a decision about further proceedings.
Further speaking to TMC chief, Advocate R.G Naik continued asking about the reasons behind putting a sudden break on the project. At least if the survey work had gone successfully, the public would have mentally made all kind of preparation, he opined.
Harish Shet, a businessman, who was in the protest, said that there are at least 4 to 5 vehicles today in every house. Almost 200% of increase in traffic can be witnessed if compared with ten years back survey. Yet there is no road widening in town. Who will be responsible if any major accident take place? Representatives may impose pressure on TMC, but it is the duty of department to do their work according to law, he urged.
Responding to this, TMC chief said that commencing of road widening work is out of their hand. "We work according to order from higher officers. More details about the project can be obtained only from Assistant Commissioner. Two temple adminstration have already submitted memorandum in this regard. The final decision will be taken only after meeting with higher officials", he added.
Advocate R.G Naik, further talking to TMC cheif, said, "If basic facilities are not provided then there will be reduction in subsidy which you receive. In future we will meet the concerned person and resume the work. You should also aware this to your higher officials and start the work as soon as possible."
On this occasion TMC member MT Naik, Dattatreya Naik and others were present.