From Misery to Greenery! Extreme Makeover Beneath Surathkal Flyover
Mangaluru: If you happen to be near the Surathkal flyover few months ago, the area was a misery to look at with beggars, stray dogs, garbage scattered all over, homeless people and drunkards sleeping etc-not anymore, the entire area has got an extreme makeover, with green lawns, statues of birds and animals, a brand new walkway, and a mineral water kiosk, among many other facilities- which is indeed a good initiative towards the Swachh Bharath campaign. Thanks to the Nagarika Salaha Samithi- a group of various associations, and also the North Police Station-Surathkal for making this happen, all at a whopping cost of Rs 20 lakh.
Two years ago, Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi-Kulur, under the leadership of entrepreneur V G Guruchandra Hegde, had transformed the filthy and dilapidated area under the Kulur Flyover into a greenery landscape, comprising of a beautiful garden, along with slogans painted on the flyover walls pertaining to Swachh Bharath campaign. Thus once a haven for beggars, hawkers and stray animals, is now a green haven- and the same concept has been followed by the Surathkal Samithi in beautifying the area under Surathkal Flyover, which is spread across 600 feet.
Sources reveal that the first meeting in connection with this extreme makeover project was held at the police station during the first week of October 2017. Enthusiastic citizens of that area joined hands together to raise money for the project, with the support from Traffic Inspector Manjunath, who associated with the Samithi, comprising of various presidents and secretaries. Speaking to Team Mangalorean, K Rajmohan Rao-convener of the Samithi and also the former principal of Govinda Dasa College-Surathkal said, “This project proves that what happens when citizens join hands together to create something unique. When politicians don’t show any interest, that’s when public step in and do something worthy. Looking at the pathetic condition of the area under the Surathkal flyover, we wanted to do something about it”
“So during the first meeting held at he the Surathkal North Police Station, with the cooperation of the police officials, we decided to beautify the area, which was a destination for beggars, stray dogs etc. We went forward with the plan to give an extreme makeover to the dirty and neglected area under the flyover, and the result is what you see now- a beautiful greenery area with other facilities. We are proud of our commitment in making this project happen within a short period of time”added Rao.
Also speaking to Team Mangalorean an auto-rickshaw driver said, “We a group of auto-rickshaw drivers and also bunch of tempo owners and drivers also had joined hands in this project, and we are happy to note that the project which was started during the first week of October 2017 has completed in March 2108. There is a person who takes care of the garden and maintenance of the facility. We are happy to note that MLA Moideen Bava had sanctioned Rs 5 lakh towards the further development of the area under the flyover. “
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Good reporting on a good job done by citizens.