'Temporary ban on ore trucks within a week in Udupi district'

Addressing a public meeting organised by the district administration at the Lalitha Krishna Kalamandira in Nagur near here on Monday, Ramesh said that the ban will be imposed till the end of the rainy season. He said that the Deputy Commissioner had already discussed the issue with Home Minister Dr V S Acharya. Ban order will be issued before July 17, he added.

It can be recalled that angry mob had blocked the National Highway near Khambadakone bridge on July 7, when 4 people died in a collision between iron ore truck and autorickshaw. Citizens had demanded a ban on the movement of iron ore trucks on National Highway in the district during the protest.

MLA K Lakshminarayana, former MLA K Gopala Poojari and Zilla Panchayat former president S Raju Poojari explained problems related to iron ore trucks on National Highway in the meeting.

Citizens also had warned in the meeting that an ‘Urulu Seve’ model protest will be organised on the National Highway from Shiroor to Udupi, if the movement of iron ore trucks on National Highway was not banned by the authority.

300-400 trucks a day

The condition of roads and bridges on National Highway in the district are seen deteriorating as around 300-400 iron ore trucks ply everyday. 

Two-wheeler riders face more difficulties as potholes have been developed at many places on the Highway. The number of iron trucks plying on the Highway increases after 7 pm. People were forced to drive their vehicles slowly and find it very difficult to overtake iron ore trucks.