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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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
