Urgent need for safety measures on Bhatkal Highway as accidents continue unabated
Bhatkal: The growing number of fatal accidents on the national highway passing through Bhatkal town has become a matter of grave concern, with both human and animal lives being lost almost every week. Citizens allege that despite repeated incidents, the administration and elected representatives have failed to take adequate steps to address the issue.
On Saturday morning, a tragic accident occurred in front of Nooru Masjid, claiming the life of a man on the spot, while a woman sustained serious injuries. Such incidents have become disturbingly frequent, raising alarm among residents. While there may be several reasons behind the recurring mishaps, locals point to two major causes in particular.
Lack of Traffic Police Presence
Firstly, there is no permanent deployment of traffic police personnel along the stretch of the highway that runs through the town. This absence has led to reckless driving and poor enforcement of traffic rules.
Dangerous BSNL Slope
Secondly, the steep slope near the BSNL office on the bypass has become a dangerous spot. Vehicles moving uphill and downhill often find themselves in precarious situations, resulting in accidents and traffic congestion.
Also Read: Bhatkal: Rider killed on spot as tanker hits bike, runs over him; wife seriously injured
Other High-Risk Areas
Apart from these, several other points in the town have emerged as accident-prone zones. Near Circuit House, vehicles entering from the old town and moving towards Hospital Road or Anjuman College Road face the constant risk of colliding with heavy trucks from behind. The problem worsens on Sundays due to the rush of market vehicles.
Similarly, KSRTC bus stand, Shamsuddin Circle, Rangeen Katte, and other busy junctions are proving equally unsafe for commuters. Pedestrians, especially near the BSNL slope, are also left vulnerable due to the absence of basic facilities to safely cross or climb the stretch.
Public Appeal
Concerned citizens have put forward a set of urgent demands to the local authorities and people’s representatives:
* Permanent deployment of traffic police personnel at all accident-prone locations.
* Installation of barricades along the highway to enforce speed control.
* Mandatory red traffic lights at these barricades and other danger zones.
Residents stress that even a small lapse can lead to major tragedies. They are urging every citizen to raise their voice before their representatives and pressurise the administration to act urgently. For them, it is not just a matter of convenience, but of saving precious human lives.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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