Bhatkal NH-17 Expansion or By-pass; DC to submit report to Government

Bhatkal - 22 Sep 2011: Uttara Kannada DC, Mr B N Krishnaiah on Wednesday, 21st September chaired a meeting here at Bhatkal Tahsildar office and discussed the issue of NH-17's proposed expansion plans. He listened the arguments of community leaders and representatives of several groups. He will be submitting a detailed report to Government soon in this regard. He was accompanied with NHAI officials and Highway engineers.

Presenting the view-point of Tanzeem, which had a backing of majority of local people, Mr Parvez Kasimji strongly opposed the by-pass plan and said that, majority of people of Bhatkal want the present Highway to be upgraded to 4-lane. He also recalled the past protests which were conducted against the by-pass by the people of Bhatkal including Kisan Union. He said that, only few people are in favour of by-pass because of their personal interest and gain. He also requested the Government to compensate the people who will get affected by the highway widening project.

Speaking on behalf of Bhatkal Merchant Association, Advocate Mr S M Khan favoured the by-pass and said, 'If the present highway is upgraded many problems may arise, several houses and business establishments will be demolished and many people lose their job and this will create unemployment. And if the highway is by-passed, it won't affect the development of Bhatkal town and it is very much in the interest of people of Bhatkal.'

Atikarama Horata Samiti President, Mr Rama Moger opposed the by-pass plan. He said, 'Farmers will suffer heavily as a result of by-pass. The farmers had already suffered due to Konkan Railway Project and if highway authority goes ahead with the by-pass plan, they will lose everything.'

TMC President, Mr Inayatullah Shabandri also opposed the by-pass and presented the copies of resolution passed in TMC favouring upgradation of present highway.

Bhatkal MLA Mr J D Naik, TMC President, Mr Inayatullah Shabandri, Deputy Commissioner, Mr B N Krishnaiah, Highway Engineer, NHAI officials and other were present on the occasion.

After hearing the arguments and counter-arguments from all the groups, Deputy Commissioner, Mr B N Krishnaiah assured the people of Bhatkal that the details will be forwarded to the higher authorities and justice will be done with the people.

Bhatkallys News Service / Rizwan Gangavali