Mangalore: National Highway Victims’ activists protested today and demonstrated their ire in front of NH Authority branch in Valencia today, in regard to road broadening work between Nanthoor and Thokkottu. People in the area were asking why 60 metres of land is being acquired, when only 45 metres of land in width is acquired in Goa and Kerala, which is sufficient.
250 acres of land is demanded by NH authorities and 600 houses would be demolished to makes way for surplus width of the NH, the protesters disclosed. Only Rs.90,000 is proposed to be given to those who lose their land for widening the highway, but the protestors wanted more. A four lane way needed only 45 metres, they argued.
Appeal were made to DC, MLAs and CM earlier, but their instant assurances fell flat, as central govt was in control of the whole issue. A plea goes out not to disturb them (people). The protestors are approaching NHA chief, PA Gavasane for relief. Dinakar Ullal and Ismail were present.