Udupi: The indefinite protest launched by former MLA Raghupati Bhat over delays in approving a single-layout plan at Badanidiyoor village ended within 12 hours, after the Udupi Urban Development Authority (UUDA) issued a temporary approval letter on Tuesday afternoon.
Protest over two-year delay
The protest, which began on Monday, was staged in front of the UUDA office, with Bhat alleging prolonged delays in granting permission for a layout plan on a 90-cent plot intended for a coastal resort project.
According to him, the application for approval had been submitted on March 20, 2024, and was expected to be cleared within three months. However, the process extended for over 24 months, prompting him to launch a solo indefinite protest.
UUDA issues temporary approval
Following the agitation, UUDA Commissioner Mahesh handed over a temporary approval letter to Bhat after reviewing the legal aspects of the proposal. The development effectively brought the protest to an end within hours.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the approval around 1:30 pm, Bhat expressed satisfaction that the long-pending issue had finally been addressed, though he noted that the clearance was only provisional.
He clarified that a permanent approval would be granted after fulfilling requirements related to land allocation for road development.
Allegations of interference
Bhat had earlier alleged that the delay in granting approval was influenced by the intervention of sitting MLA Yashpal Suvarna. He maintained that the protest was not politically motivated but was undertaken to resolve a personal grievance.
He stated that he had been compelled to name the MLA as he believed the approval process had been obstructed.
Raises broader concerns
During his interaction with the media, Bhat also highlighted broader issues within the Urban Development Authority. He pointed to delays in providing Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to landowners who had surrendered land for the Ambagilu–Manipal highway widening project.
According to him, despite nearly three years having passed, several affected landowners are yet to receive compensation, raising concerns about administrative inefficiency.
Warns of further protests
Bhat indicated that he would continue to take up public issues and warned that if pending files within the authority are not cleared, he would launch another protest on April 11.
He reiterated his commitment to addressing grievances faced by citizens and ensuring accountability in administrative processes.
Conclusion
The swift resolution of the protest underscores the impact of direct action in addressing administrative delays. While the immediate issue has been resolved, the episode has brought renewed attention to pending concerns within the development authority, which may require further intervention.