Mysuru: Due to opposition from various organisations led by Mysuru Grahakara Parishat, tense situation prevailed when District Minister H C Mahadevappa, Member of Parliament Pratap Simha and MLA Vasu performed the ground breaking ceremony for the proposed widening and straightening of curve on Hunsur Road stretch near Jaladarshini Guest House which is taken up at a cost of Rs 12 Crore.
The elected representatives were mute spectators when their supporters were using unparliamentary words against those who had come to oppose the project. The Mysuru Grahakara Parishat which didn’t get any justice from both the elected representatives have decided to fight it out legally. The protesters allege that the project will severely damage the environment and the heritage ambience of the road and will do nothing to reduce road accidents. The protesters allege that if the government goes ahead with the project 20 huge trees on the stretch will be chopped. The project is stated to be meant to prevent accidents on this road stretch but the MGP and their supporters mention that if the stretch of the road is widened and straightened it will only facilitate increase in the speed of the vehicles resulting in more accidents.
Since government proposed a Rs 12 Crore project to widen and straighten 850 mtr curve on Hunsur Road near Jaladarshini Guest House, it has drawn opposition with Mysuru Grahakara Parishat and some citizens are urging even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to drop the project. On November 6 morning before MP Pratap Simha and MLA Vasu arrived at the spot to perform the ground breaking ceremony for the proposed work, MGP members and various other organisations had assembled at the entrance of Jaladarshini Guest house, were found staging protest demanding the cancellation of the proposed project.
But as soon as Pratap Simha came at the venue, the MGP members and other like-minded people approached him but he was in no mood to listen to their words or receive their memorandum. The protesters and supporters of Pratap Simha and Vasu involved in heated exchange of words. Though the protesters were agitating silently, the supporters of Pratap Simha and Vasu used unparliamentary words against the latter. But Pratap Simha and Vasu didn’t take any steps to pacify both the parties especially their supporters.
The national highway division coming under PWD has taken up the improvement work. The National Highway 275 which connects Bengaluru to Bantwal in Mangaluru passes via Hunsur Road near Kalamandira. The work is expected to be completed within a year. The authorities will be improving the 850 mtr stretch from Paduvarahalli 4th main road to Valmiki road junction from existing four lanes to six lanes at a cost of Rs 12 Crore under CRP grants.
“These sort of letters, I have received a lot. Due to steep curve in this stretch, many people have lost their lives. For me precious lives are more important than trees. If we chop five trees we will be planting 50 trees. I don’t want to see more accidents on this stretch. Hence we are going ahead with this project. The deceased family members have also welcomed the project”, added Member of Parliament Pratap Simha.
“Government should not take up the project which is against the people or public. We don’t want a member of parliament who is against the people. According to Mysuru Master Plan, from Metropole Circle to Valmiki Road, it is heritage road. Anybody violating this is violating law, the Mysuru Master Plan is sanctioned by Government of Karnataka. By inaugurating the project, the MP violated the plan”, added Heritage Committee and MGP member Major General (Rtd) S G Vombatkere.
Black spot on National Highways will be eliminated in a phase manner
“The project which we are undertaking that is straightening of the curve, is one among the black spot on Mysuru-Bantwal National Highway via Hunsur road. In days to come, such black spots including near Columbia Asia Hospital, Bilikere, Periyapatna, Yelwala and Kushalnagar will be taken up. All these works will be taken up under Central Road Fund”, added District Minister H C Mahadevappa.
The six lane road related works from Mysuru-Bengaluru may commence from December or January
“The project to take up six lane work funded by central government between Mysuru and Bengaluru may start by December end or by January. The land acquisition for the project is also almost completed”, said Mahadevappa.
