the goan I network
BELAGAVI
Completion of the controversial Macche-Halga bypass on the Belagavi-Panaji highway NH4A is expected to be complete soon, with authorities taking up the matter on a priority basis. Soon after the recession of rains since last week, authorities have once against commenced with the survey of the land to be acquired for the 12-km bypass. The six-lane bypass will connect the Belagavi-Panaji highway NH4A to the Pune-Bangaluru highway near Halga village, reduce traffic congestion in Belagavi city and will also offer comfort to commuters from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
It may be recalled that the acquisition work had commenced about 10 years back, but as the bypass passes through fertile agricultural land, farmers were strongly opposing the project. However since January this year, authorities began the work after farmers had given their clearance. “Some disgruntled farmers approached the high court bench in Dharwad to obtain a stay, however, they have failed in producing the relevant documents. But we have urged farmers to cooperate with us as this would help development of Belagavi city and also benefit villages in the vicinity,” Assistant Commissioner Kavita Yogappannavar said. “We are ready to offer much higher price than prevailing rates, but we would like to complete the bypass at the earliest as the deadline is fast approaching.”
