Residents stage Protest against Toll collection, DC assures to hold Special meeting
Udupi: The decision by the Navyug Constructions for introducing the toll collection at indefinite protest here at the Sastan Tollgate on January 31.
The agitators who had gathered in large numbers protested by parking their vehicles across the toll gate and alleged that the Company is taking a unilateral decision of introducing the toll. They alleged that it is an irresponsible attitude of those involved in taking such a decision.
Speaking on the occasion, one of the leaders Pratap Shetty said the Company is in a hurry to collect the toll even without completing the proposed works. There are no proper service roads nor rain water drains. Accidents have increased due to the unscientific planning of the national highway creating chaos. He alleged that the peoples representatives are least bothered over the irregularities. There are no basic infrastructural facilities.
Former minister and parliamentarian Jayapraksah Hegde said that the decision of the Company is an unlawful act. The Company has suddenly issued a notification for the collection of toll and has also instructed the local public to collect the passes. The Company should give at least 15 days of time before collecting the toll. He said that he has raised the issue with the police superintendent who has also echoed similar opinion and has declined to offer security to the toll gate. The SP has said that the department should have intimated at least two weeks prior and discussions should have been held. The Company should announce the decision of collecting the toll through the news papers. He further added and said that the Deputy Commissioner would call a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue. The agitators said that they will step back from the protesting area only after the assurance of justice being done.
Samiti leaders Alwyn Andrade, Prashanth Shetty, Moses Rodrigues, Govinda Poojary, Rajesh Kaveri, Raghavendra Kanchan, Chandramohan and others were present.
