Vedike, public block road, demand underpass

The residents as well as the members of the public under the aegis of Tulunada Rakshana Vedike staged a protest near railway crossing at Jeppu Mahakalipadpu to urge the authorities concerned to construct a railway under bridge in the area, besides demanding drainage facilities. As a part of the protest, the road was blocked for some time in the morning.

Addressing the protesters, Vedike Founder President Yogish Shetty Jeppu said that the government is not responding to the people’s aspirations and the local administration is irresponsible.

The Mahakalipadpu road is a connecting route for National Highway 66 and the people depend on this route to enter the city as this route reduces the distance to City by five kms.

However, as 46 trains pass through Mahakalipadpu, the railway gate is frequently closed therby inconveniencing the public at regular intervals, thus wasting lots of time. The problem can be solved only if the railway underpass or overbridge is built, he said.

Stating that the jatha and protest was held only to create awareness among the people, he also urged the authorities concerned to construct drainage in the region as the existing old drainage system is very old and the sewage flows on the road frequently. “In fact, the drainage water enters the houses during rainy season, causing serious health ailments to people,” he noted.

Vedike Member Harish Nalkarepadpu said that the nearby wells are infiltrated by the sewage water and the water is not fit for the domestic use. “In the days to come, people will suffer due to lack of water since Tumbe water dam will also go dry,” he said.

Former corporator Bhasker said that the people who claim to make Mangalore Singapore, Germany etc, should come here and look at the fate of Mahakalipadpu. The area has remained backward for the last many years. Though a sum of Rs 350 crore was reserved under ADB plan by the Central Government, no fund has been allotted to this area and the area is completely neglected by Mangalore City Corporation. Meanwhile, he also alleged that the Central Government is following a step mother attitude towards Karnataka, granting more railway underpasses to Kerala and West Bengal.

Another member J Vishwanath urged the representatives to come to the spot and inspect the problems. He said that a complaint has been submitted to Lokayukta regarding the irresponsibility of officials.