Pics by : Sumanth Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Apr 29: The locals and users of Santhekatte underpass and surrounding areas staged a flash protest against the irresponsible working of the Santhekatte underpass and the much havoc caused by the construction work.
Addressing media persons, Dr Vincent Alva, principal, Milagres College Kallianpur said, “From past two-and-a-half years students and other general public are severely suffering from the Santhekatte road issue. We tried to bring this issue to the authorities concerned but no response was averted. Now it has become a chaotic situation. Members of the public are confused about where to board the bus. Some buses have cut their trips due to the problems. Student numbers will rise once the schools reopen. Due to the unscientific planning and execution of work the public is suffering.”
“The work here is moving at a slow pace, which has invariably created much havoc in the community. Santhekatte is like a mini Udupi, a lot of educational institutions, business and other institutions operate here. People from more than 15 villages frequent Santhekatte for trade and other purposes. Everyday a few number of accidents occur here. We are not against any party or leaders. Our motto is that development should not harm anyone. In this hot sun the elders intend to walk after getting down from the bus at a distant place. Our demand is to make proper arrangements for the service road. Work should happen on a timeline and even before starting the other portion of the underpass, a proper service road should be constructed” urged Dr Aakashraj Jain.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna visited the spot and consulted with the protestors. He even conducted a spot inspection at the underpass location and other associated places.
He told journalists that “I have instructed the contractor to make proper arrangements for the service road within 15 days. The public have also urged for the repair works in the service road for which also i have also given proper instructions. If it is not done, I will bring the issue to the notice of the higher authorities. Police department, highway authorities will take inputs from the locals and take a decision on traffic diversions. There will be some problems faced by the locals which we need to bear. If the bus facility is stopped I will check and instruct the RTO officials to restart the service.”
Locals of Santhekatte, Kallianpur, Kemmannu, Ashirvad and other surrounding areas participated in the protest.
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