Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 16: the land acquisition process pertaining to the widening of national highway 169 between the city and Karkala via Moodbidri, which has been dragging on since the last eight years, has reached a level in which properties in 17 villages have been evaluated. Out of 20 villages, property valuation of 17 villages has been completed by the valuation team and handed over to the competent authority. A request for the award of Rs 341.51 crore has also been placed before the authorities. Once the proposal is approved, the money gets deposited by the highway authorities with the special land acquisition officer. Once the money is handed over to owners, the ownership of the properties get transferred to the government.

Now, valuation of properties in Padu Marnadu, Tenka Mijaru, Beluvai, and Tenka Yedapadavu is going on. Padavu and Badaga Ulipady villages are yet to be taken up for valuation of properties.

The proposed highway will be 45 metres wide. Even though the central government had initially planned a 60 metre road, the locals had insisted on 30 metre road. A few years back, officials, people’s representatives, and land owners who met under the leadership of B Ramanath Rai, had agreed for 45 metres wide road.

Manikya S, special land acquisition officer, said that property valuation work has been completed for 17 out of 20 villages and the remaining villages too valuation work will be completed soon.