JOIN USThe prime link between Udupi, Mangalore and Shimoga is Theerthahalli-Kundapura State Highway-52. The work on concreting of the road on Balebare Ghat is nearing completion and the movement of vehicles on the road will be restored by May 30.
To facilitate the work on concreting of the road, Udupi and Shimoga district Deputy Commissioners had banned the movement for vehicles on Theerthahalli-Kundapura State Highway for the last three months. “We are expecting the DCs to pass a notification to allow the movement of vehicles soon,” said Hosanagara division PWD Engineer Veerabhadrachari.
The PWD had released Rs 4.95 crore to develop four kilometre road in Balebare Ghat. The work commenced on October 16, 2011. After completing the work on concreting of the road in Dakshina Kannada district, the work was taken up in Shimoga district. In Udupi, the work on concreting the road has been completed. Now the work on constructing retaining walls at few places in Hosanagara is under progress. The road has been widened by seven metres. More than 12 culverts have been constructed.
Non co-operation
After conducting the survey work, the PWD had submitted a detailed report to the forest department to fell huge trees grown on either side of the road. However, the fortest department had declined to issue permission to fell the trees.
“Several huge trees which are on either side of the road is posing threat. The trees might collapse on the road at any moment,” said residents.
Hosangady villagers said that the forest department failed to grant permission for the felling of the trees. As a result, the trees might collapse during rainy season and disrupt the movement of vehicles. To clear the road, the police from Amasebailu, situated about 50 kilometres away from the Balebare ghat and the villagers have to come togther. The forest department should atleast now allow the felling of the trees, which pose threat to the movement of vehicles.