Bantwal: The long pending demand for the widening of Vittal road which was abruptly stopped due to objection of a few shop owners is finally being fulfilled with the concerned officials taking action. The officials began the land acquisition process on Thursday and it was continued on Friday too by demolishing the shops at the congested Vittal bus stand.
Following the passengers bearing the brunt of frequent traffic jams, the proposal to widen the Vittal road was put forth a few years back. In this regard Rs 2 crore was sanctioned, yet the road work was stopped due to the objection of a few shop owners. The matter also reached the court and finally the then Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim had to intervene and convince the shop owners. Hence, the process of land acquisition was started by the Public Works department officials and compensation of Rs 56,34,937 was granted on September 15, 2015 at the Mangaluru AC’s office. The amount was handed over to four shop owners last month. As the document related works were completed, the department had set a deadline for the shops to shift their movable items within July 31. The shop owners were given another additional three days.

On Thursday, the officials conducted the survey and demolition of the shops was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Land Aquisition Dr Ashok. With this, the long pending demand of the people of Vittal has been finally fulfilled. Public Works department assistant engineer Umesh Bhat, Chidambar Swamy, Vittal village accountant Ptrakash, surveyor Lavakumar were present.