Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Sep 9: The Karnataka High Court has directed Dilip Buildcon Limited (DBL), the contractor executing the four-lane Mangaluru–Sanoor National Highway 169 project, to take immediate measures to drain rainwater accumulating on the agricultural land of local farmer and international athlete Ashwin Naik at Edapadavu.
Naik had approached the High Court alleging that DBL had carried out the highway construction in the Edapadavu area in an unscientific manner and contrary to the original alignment approved by the Central Government. Following the court's direction, a team of senior officials led by Mangaluru Tahsildar Ramesh Babu conducted a survey and submitted a report.
Based on the report, the High Court directed DBL to construct temporary drains on both sides of the highway for about one kilometre and ensure that rainwater is channelled into the existing rajakaluve (major drainage channel).
Speaking to the media, Naik said the highway construction in the hilly Edapadavu region had been carried out contrary to the natural flow of water. He alleged that DBL had constructed a drain at a location different from the one shown in the original plan, resulting in rainwater flowing towards his property.
According to Naik, around three acres of agricultural land, including an arecanut plantation, a pond and two wells, have been affected by waterlogging. He said more than 100 arecanut trees had died due to the accumulation of water.
“We have never opposed development. However, protecting one person’s property in the name of development while causing injustice to another is not right,” Naik said.
He added that although his land had not been acquired for the highway expansion, he had permitted the construction of a temporary drain on his property. Following the High Court's direction, DBL workers removed soil, mud and stagnant water from the plantation. However, he said the work had since been stopped.
Drainage issue in the middle of highway
Naik also alleged that following recent heavy rains, a portion of the highway collapsed. Subsequently, DBL constructed a drain on only one side of the highway as per the court's direction, while no corresponding drain was created on the other side.
Instead, a large trench was reportedly cut through the highway to drain the rainwater accumulated in the plantation. Naik expressed concern that another spell of heavy rain could result in a large volume of water flowing towards his property through the trench.
He demanded a permanent solution before the next monsoon, including a proper access road to his property, a retaining wall along the highway to protect the agricultural land, and a drainage channel connecting to the rajakaluve.
Naik said that if permanent works related to the highway, including pipelines, are proposed on land that has not yet been acquired, the authorities must first initiate the land acquisition process and fix compensation.
Service road constructed on unacquired land
Meanwhile, another issue has been raised near Mijar involving land belonging to Brijesh Shetty. A service road has reportedly been constructed on land that is not included in the original highway expansion plan.
Shetty has installed a barricade on his private property, objecting to the construction of the service road.
“The highway expansion has been carried out on our acquired land. However, a service road is now being constructed on additional land that has not been acquired. We have no objection to the service road, but the land acquisition process should be completed and compensation provided before the work continues,” Shetty said.
He added that he had submitted a complaint to the district administration and would wait for further action.