Udupi : In a swift turn of events, the indefinite protest launched by former Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat yielded success within just 12 hours. The protest was directed against the Udupi Urban Development Authority (UUDA) for its persistent delay in approving a single-layout plan for a resort project on a 90-cent plot in Badanidiyuru village. Bowing to the pressure of the demonstration, the Authority officials completed the necessary legal reviews and handed over a provisional approval letter to the former legislator on Monday afternoon.
The dispute stemmed from a 24-month delay in granting the layout permission, despite regulations requiring such approvals within three months. Raghupathi Bhat, who intended to build a beachside resort to promote local tourism, had submitted his application back in March 2024. Frustrated by the two-year wait and alleging that the delay was intentionally orchestrated by the UUDA Commissioner at the behest of current MLA Yashpal Suvarnal, Bhat had commenced a solitary sit-in protest in front of the Authority’s office. Following the handover of the document by Commissioner Mahesh, the protest was officially called off.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the provisional letter, Raghupathi Bhat expressed relief but noted that a permanent approval would only be issued after the designated land for road widening is handed over. He clarified that while this particular protest was triggered by a personal grievance, it highlighted systemic inefficiencies within the UUDA. He pointed out unresolved issues such as the pending Transferable Development Rights (TDR) for the Ambagilu-Manipal highway expansion. Warning of further action, Bhat stated he would launch another protest on April 11 if other pending files of the general public are not cleared by then, emphasizing his commitment to fighting against administrative roadblocks.
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