Work on the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) between Hubballi and Dharwad has gained momentum with the HD-BRTS company initiating a demolition drive on Wednesday to clear the structures along the roadside.
Bengaluru-based Binyas Contech Private Limited, which bagged the contract to carry out the demolition drive, began clearing the structures, including shops and houses, located opposite the Siddappajja Temple near Unakal Lake on Wednesday.
Social Development Officer of HD-BRTS Mr. Manjunath said that there were 46 structures in zone 4 and 5 of the HD-BRTS project that had been acquired so far.
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“Following consent award, they have been compensated. They were given notices to remove their belongings and give possession of their buildings over a month ago. After giving them due time, we are now demolishing the structures,” he said.
He clarified that there were four structures regarding which there was dispute over ownership and the cases were in court.
After following the due legal procedure, those structures would also be demolished, he said.
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He added that the plan was to complete the demolition drive in zone 4 and 5 by the end of the month. Assistant General Manager of Binyas Contech P. Shashidhar said that they would be possible to clear structures as and when the possession of the same would be given to them.
Under the HD-BRTS project, there would be a 35-metre road within the city till Hotel Taj Gateway. Beyond that it would be a 44-metre road. Since it will be a 35-metre road at Unakal, the existing road would be widened to 17.5 m on each side from the centre of the road.