The Mangalore City Corporation on Thursday began the work of widening the 374-meter stretch of the GHS Road between the Ganapati Temple and Clock Tower. Deputy Commissioner N.S. Channappa Gowda inspected the work. He was accompanied by Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner Harish Kumar and other officials.
This busy road dotted by business establishments is presently about 30 foot. This was being widened to 50 meters. Among the establishments through which this road will pass include the Janata Bazar, the Srinivas Hotel and the Ideal Ice cream parlour.
“It passes through as many as 44 properties. I am happy that property owners have come forward to give up portions of their land,” Mr. Gowda said.
On Thursday, Mangalore City Corporation personnel were seen digging earth at the Janata Bazaar for construction of new compound wall. Some directors of Janata Bazaar expressed apprehensions over acquisition of land from their area. “But this is being taken for a good purpose. We are getting TDR (transfer of development rights) for the portion of land we are loosing,” said one Director.
Some of the establishments sought time for making alterations to their structures and hand over the land. Prabhakar Kamat of Ice cream parlour sought time till Navarathri. The Ganapati Temple management have began the work of the altering their Main Door.
Mr. Kumar said the Corporation was first taking possession of the land and also diverting some underground utility lines. The Corporation was using the funds available with it for this purpose. Similar works were being done between Mangalore Junction Railway Station and Amar Alva Bus stop, Sturrock Road and Court Road.
