Date:21/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/21/stories/2007112160870300.htm

Karnataka

Residents protest against deplorable condition of national highway

Correspondent

CHIKMAGALUR: Residents of Tarikere town took out a procession on Monday to protest against the deplorable condition of National Highway No. 206 that passes through the town.

Responding to a call given by the Rashtriya Heddari Navikarana Horata Samiti, the procession started from the Kodi Camp and ended with a “rasta roko” at Mahatma Gandhi Circle.

Pointing out that the road did not posses any qualities of a national highway, they criticised officials for “colluding” with contractors in approving sub-standard work.

The residents regretted that a number of vehicle accidents were occurring due to the poor condition of the road. They wanted senior officials of the National Highway authority as well as the Deputy Commissioner of Chikmagalur district to inspect the road and take action against those responsible.

Several organisations expressed their support to the demonstration.The demonstrators presented a memorandum to M.T. Reju, Assistant Commissioner.