Udupi: There is no need to collect toll from Surathkal Toll Plaza after charging the same at Hejamady, said Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister of Fisheries, Sports and Youth Empowerment on Wednesday, February 15.
He was speaking with media persons after inspecting Malpe-Padukere Bridge construction work. He opined that the NITK toll exemption for the KA 19 vehicles was a positive declaration from a local BJP leader who managed the Surathkal Toll Plaza. The Hejamadi Toll Plaza is in the range of 12 km from Hejamady counterpart. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said locals should intervene in closing the Surathkal Toll Plaza.
With regard to complications in toll charges in NH 66, there a meeting will be held with Chief Secretary to Karnataka government along with ministers, people’s representatives, NHAI and construction company and a decision will be taken, he added.
Answering the queries on the drought situation and drinking water problems, Pramod Madhwaraj said that it would be the responsibility of the PDOs, CMC Commissioner and other officials to manage the drinking water supply through tankers wherever scarcity of water arises. Instructions have been given to the said officials and if they failed to supply the drinking water, they would be suspended and actions will be taken accordingly, he warned.
He lauded the decision of lifting the ban on digging borewell in the district due to severe drinking water problems. More funds will be sanctioned for the supply of drinking water in the district, he announced.
With regard to the death of Santhosh Hosmani, who got injured during a wresting competition in Hubli and later breathed his last due to cardiac arrest in the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, the state government has declared a relief of Rs. 5 Lakh to bereaved family, he disclosed. If any negligence by the doctors is found, it will be investigated, he added.
