Negligence in Karkala four-lane road work causes public hardship
Karkala: The ongoing four-lane road construction on National Highway 169, from Karkala Bypass Road to Mala Gate, has drawn criticism due to severe delays and poor-quality work, leading to significant public inconvenience.
Despite the project’s budget of ₹167 crore, the work has been dragging on for two years, leaving local residents and motorists to deal with poorly maintained roads. The widening of the road has resulted in public roads being dug up, causing motorists difficulty in accessing their homes. During the monsoon season, waterlogging on the unfinished roads has led to damage to nearby houses, wells, and agricultural lands in low-lying areas.
The construction of concrete drains, which are higher than the road itself, has further exacerbated the situation, making vehicular access to homes and shops along the road impossible. Local residents have begun to protest the disruptions.
The work on the highway has seen various levels of mismanagement. While some areas have been dug lower, others have been raised with added soil, resulting in a bumpy and uneven road surface, even after asphalting. The widening of turning roads, notorious for accidents, has not improved safety, as the turns have not been straightened. The lack of foresight in planning and execution, coupled with the absence of proper signboards, has led to an increase in accidents.
The quality of construction has also been questioned, particularly regarding the concrete drains. Reports suggest that improper materials, including gravel without adequate cement and unsuitable iron for concrete slabs, are being used. Recently, a mini lorry got stuck in a collapsed concrete drain, highlighting the poor construction standards.
Despite these issues, the National Highways Department has yet to take corrective action. Daniel Ranger, President of the Aam Aadmi Party in Karkala, has called for protests to draw the attention of the authorities and the Lokayukta to the misuse of public funds.
Local resident Satish Kumar from Meyaru expressed frustration, stating, "The work has caused nothing but problems for the public. The quality is so poor that we struggle to even reach our homes. The actions of the irresponsible officers and contractors are condemnable."
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
