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."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru: First-time Congress MLAs with merit can be made ministers, says Moily
Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister Marpadi Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said that first-time Congress legislators could be considered for ministerial berths during the proposed Cabinet reshuffle if they have the requisite merit.
Moily responded to reports of over 30 first-time Congress MLAs seeking Cabinet positions by stressing the need for a Cabinet with a balance of merit among first-time, young, and senior leaders.
“We entered politics when the Chief Minister Devaraj Urs recognised us in 1972. If legislators have merit and dedication, they can be included in the Cabinet,” Deccan Herald quoted him as saying.
He said that there is nothing wrong with new MLAs aspiring for ministerial posts and that no one has the moral authority to question such aspirations. He recalled that he, too, was a newcomer in his early political days and said those with eligibility should be given ministerial posts.
“If the MLAs have merit, the Chief Minister will recognise them. In our time, we did not lobby for ministerial berths. We were recognised by the Chief Minister,” he said.
Addressing demands for a change in Chief Minister and current talk of a Cabinet reshuffle, Moily said that legislators voicing aspirations should not be seen as engaging in groupism.
He also said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Karkala in Udupi district on Wednesday.
