Dismal condition of Bhatkal Clock Tower; who is responsible?

Bhatkal - 30 April 2011: Bhatkal's iconic landmark, Bhatkal Clock Tower located in the center of Shamsuddin Circle is experiencing very bad days. It is interesting to note that, this marvelous show-piece was constructed by Shabeeb Kola, owner of Pure Gold Jewelers with an objective to provide symbolic identity to Bhatkal town. Around 12 lakh rupees have been spent on this project. Later it was handed over to Bhatkal Municipality, which is responsible for its maintenance and development.

The main reason for its bad condition is believed to be a day to day protests and rallies in the town, especially bursting of crackers and burning of tyres near the tower and lack of maintenance.

Initially when it was inaugurated, Bhatkal Municipality showed enormous interest in maintaining the tower and put some grass and small plants around it but as the days passed, its condition worsened and now the situation is such that, its all clocks are on the ground and a large portion of granite covering and name plates are also broken down into pieces. Recently when India won Cricket World Cup, the clock tower was badly damaged as a result of jubilant cricket fans invading the tower to celebrate the historic moment.

When 'bhatkllys.com' representative contacted Pure Gold owner, Mr Shabeeb Kola regarding its poor condition and lack of maintenance, Mr Kola said, 'After its construction, I received two awards one is Rajiv Gandhi Award and the other one is Bharath Gaurav Award but now it is very painful to see the clock tower in its present condition. Many times I approached Municipality regarding its maintenance work but they said that they will take care of and I should not have to worry about it. But they are not giving any importance it seems.'

If this situation continues and concerned authorities turn blind eye towards its maintenance and repair work, chances are there, one day we may lose our iconic landmark. It may be noted that, this clock tower is attributed towards famous personality of Bhatkal, late Shamsuddin Jukaku.

Bhatkallys News Service / Photos: Rizwan Gangavali

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