Mangaluru: 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 steps 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 the highway construction in the Edapadavu area was carried out in an unscientific manner and contrary to the original alignment approved by the Central Government. He claimed that changes made during the construction had affected the natural flow of rainwater and resulted in waterlogging on his property.
Following the court’s intervention, a team of senior officials led by Mangaluru Tahsildar Ramesh Babu conducted a survey of the area and submitted a report to the court.
Court directs temporary drainage measures
Based on the findings in the report, the High Court directed DBL to construct temporary drains on both sides of the highway for a stretch of about one kilometre.
The court also directed that the rainwater be channelled into the existing rajakaluve, or major drainage channel, in the area. The measures are intended to prevent rainwater from accumulating on the adjoining agricultural land.
Speaking to the media, Naik said the highway construction in the hilly Edapadavu region had altered the natural flow of water. He alleged that DBL had constructed a drain at a location different from the one indicated in the original plan, causing rainwater to flow towards his property.
Three acres of agricultural land affected
According to Naik, nearly three acres of agricultural land have been affected by waterlogging. The affected property includes an arecanut plantation, a pond and two wells.
He claimed that more than 100 arecanut trees had died due to prolonged accumulation of water on the land.
Naik maintained that he had no objection to the highway development but said the project should not result in damage to private agricultural property.
“We have never opposed development. However, protecting one person’s property in the name of development while causing injustice to another is not right,” he said.
Naik also said his land had not been acquired for the highway expansion. Despite this, he had permitted the construction of a temporary drain through his property to facilitate the movement of rainwater.
Following the High Court’s direction, DBL workers reportedly removed soil, mud and stagnant water from the plantation. However, Naik said the work was subsequently stopped.
Naik seeks permanent drainage solution
Naik has raised concerns over the adequacy of the temporary drainage arrangements, particularly in view of the heavy rainfall experienced in the region.
He alleged that a portion of the highway collapsed following recent heavy rains. Subsequently, DBL constructed a drain on one side of the highway as per the court’s direction, but a corresponding drain was not created on the opposite side.
Instead, according to Naik, a large trench was cut through the highway to drain water that had accumulated in the plantation.
He expressed concern that another spell of heavy rain could cause a large volume of water to flow towards his agricultural land through the trench.
Naik has sought a permanent solution before the next monsoon. His demands include a proper access road to his property, a retaining wall along the highway to protect the agricultural land and a permanent drainage channel connecting the area to the rajakaluve.
He also said that if permanent highway-related works, including pipelines, are proposed on land that has not been acquired, the authorities should first initiate the required land acquisition process and determine compensation.
Service road issue raised at Mijar
Meanwhile, a separate issue relating to the highway project has been raised near Mijar by landowner Brijesh Shetty.
A service road has reportedly been constructed on land belonging to Shetty that is not included in the original highway expansion plan. Shetty has installed a barricade on his private property, objecting to the construction work.
According to Shetty, land required for the main highway expansion had already been acquired, and he has no objection to the proposed service road. However, he said additional land being used for the service road must also be acquired through due process.
“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.
Shetty said he had submitted a complaint to the district administration and would await further action.
The developments have highlighted concerns among affected landowners over drainage, access and land acquisition in connection with the Mangaluru–Sanoor highway project. While the High Court has directed immediate temporary measures at Edapadavu, the affected landowners are seeking permanent solutions and due process for any additional land required for the project.