Bhatkal: The IRB Infrastructure Developers, responsible for constructing the four-lane National Highway, faces severe allegations from residents of Uttara Kannada district regarding toll collection before completing the highway work. Locals have expressed frustration over substandard construction, highlighting issues such as inadequate drainage systems, lack of streetlights, and incomplete service roads in Bhatkal. The abrupt cancellation of the flyover at the city circle, executed without consultation, has further fueled grievances.

During a meeting on Wednesday, the Uttara Kannada Jana Pra Sanghatana Okkoota and the National Highway Horata Samiti Bhatkal convened to voice their objections against IRB’s handling of the project. The four-lane highway, initially slated for completion within three years, remains unfinished even after 11 years. Participants criticized IRB’s construction practices as unscientific and of poor quality.

The meeting concluded with two primary courses of action: appealing to local MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and district in-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya, and organizing district-wide protests, including highway blockades and legal petitions against IRB.

Nagesh Naik Kaggal, president of the Uttara Kannada Jana Pra Sanghatana, outlined key demands:

  1. Immediate Suspension of Toll Collection: Toll charges should cease until the highway construction is fully completed.
  2. Completion of Pending Work: The IRB and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) must expedite safety measures as per geological survey recommendations and finalize the remaining construction.
  3. Compensation for Accident Victims: Victims of accidents and landslides along National Highway 66 due to inadequate construction methods should receive compensation from the NHAI and IRB.
  4. Withdrawal of Cases Against Protesters: Cases against leaders of peaceful protests following a landslide incident should be dropped.

Naik emphasized that any suppression of the public’s right to protest would be met with strong resistance. Plans for a district-wide movement against IRB and NHAI were announced, with a significant protest expected soon.

The meeting was attended by various community leaders, including Rajesh Nayak, Inayatullah Shabandri, and advocate Imran Lanka, among others, and was presided over by Rama Moger of Bhatkal.

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