Karkala: Amid public protests against the Belman tollgate it is gathered that the toll collection which was scheduled to commence from October 15 has been put on hold as off now.

Locals along with political leaders and religious seers, under the banner of the Toll Gate Action Committee led by N Suhas Hegde have stepped up the ante against the collection of toll at the proposed toll gate across state highway between Padubidri and Karkala.

Nishith Kumar, Project officer of M/s Mithra Info Solutions, a Mysuru-based company entrusted with the responsibility to collect toll told media persons that the toll collection has been put on hold in view of protests by locals.

The protests have been brought to the notice of the government which in turn has directed the district deputy commissioner to convene a meeting of legislators and other leaders, at the earliest and solve the issue amicably whereafter a final decision will be taken, he informed.