JOIN US700 trees sacrificed for a road!
The work has begun from Saturday and the workers under contract have begun felling the trees. The vehicular riders on the road who were shocked to see the sudden development had no other choice but to stop their vehicle just watch this green carnage and move on silently.
Some trees like banyan and others which are said to be more than 100 years were felled within a few minutes, thanks to the latest technology. Though the sight brought sadness among the people, it also raised hopes among the commuters that the road will finally be repaired and prevent the recurring mishaps due to gaping potholes and craters on the stretch.
A KSRTC bus that left Arsikere reached N R Circle in Hassan in about 45 minutes about one and a half year ago. But, the same bus takes about one hour and 45 minutes to cover the same distance now, such is the road condition.
The journey between Dudda and Hassan is a real nightmare and many of the vehicle users now opt the route via Nittur.
But, some has no other option but to ply on the road and the small potholes turned into craters with the passing time.
The information that the road between Chikkanaya-kanahalli and Hassan being widened and upgraded into concrete road brought cheers among the people.
But, with the rains lashing frequently, the public urge that the temporary measures be taken to cover the potholes that is posing threat to the lives of the riders, as the road work might take months to complete.
People have been hearing since some months that tenders have been called for the work and it would begin as soon as the department of forests give permission for the same. But, as it did not materialise, people lost confidence over the promises of road widening. Ironically, felling of trees from Saturday has brought a ray of hope among them.
However, the Public Works Department has said that no work can be carried out to repair the roads till the rain stops.
While the upgradation of road has brought happiness, sacrificing 700 trees that has to be felled on the stretch of road between Chikkanayaka-nahalli and Hassan has made the environmentalist turn red.
The only solution is to plant saplings at the available places to balance the loss and the onus is on the next generation to protect the environment, say locals.