BELAGAVI
Work on the Macche-Halaga bypass along the Belagavi-Panaji NH4A is expected to get streamlined as district authorities have taken up the issue on priority.
Deputy Commissioner M G Hiremath took up a survey of the site along with protesting farmers and NHAI officials, assuring that the issues of farmers would be resolved so that the work on the bypass could restart.
It may be recalled that farmers have been protesting against the implementation of the bypass since last couple of years stating that the NHAI is trying to route the highway through the fertile paddy growing fields.
Farmers have further lamented that most farmers in the 12-km belt have small holdings and would be left landless if the bypass passes as per the present plan.
Farmers also alleged that NHAI authorities are delaying payment of compensation for the land and about 90% farmers have not yet received the compensation.
Agitating farmers have also obtained a stay order in the Karnataka High Court against the implementation of the bypass.
Assuring farmers that the matter would be taken up on priority, Hiremath said the matter would be resolved after discussions with the NHAI and coordinating officials from the district so that justice is done to the farmers.
Highway authorities are hoping for a solution so that work on the bypass could be restarted soon.
