Kumta: A protest was called on Tuesday by the 'Bypass Virodhi Horata Samiti' demanding construction of a four-lane highway in the Kumta from the existing highway, and to drop the project of the bypass.

The protestors, who gathered outside the IRB office, urged that four-lane highways are constructed on the existing roads in most of the regions in the country. Same should be followed in Kumta too. Rather than filling up the potholes, it's also heard that the discussions regarding commencing of toll fees collection are underway. Hence, the authorities should not allow collecting the tolls until the work is completed.

Speaking on the occasion, Bypass Virodi Horata Samiti President Advocate R G Naik, said, the four-lane highway road in the coastal districts are constructed from the existing highway itself. But, it was shocking to learn why only the bypass in Kumta. It is unfair to make thousands of poor people suffer just to protect business establishments of a few rich persons. Former deputy commissioner too had opposed for this bypass project. It is an injustice to hurt poor people with the intention to make it convenient for rich people, he accused. 

Further speaking, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike district President Bhaskar Patgar, said, the bypass has become an anti-people policy, so the project should be dropped off immediately. "It will be unfair if the tolls are collected before completion of works", he added.

The members then submitted a memorandum to IRB officer Ashok Rao in this regard. They threatened that a massive protest will be launched if the demands aren't met.

On this occasion, Samiti members Shailesh Naik, Sampath Kumar, Suresh Bhandari, Kumaraswamy, M V Hegde, Parvati Naik and many others were present.