Mangaluru faces a growing problem with unauthorised shops sprouting up along national highways and key roads. This issue is particularly noticeable on the busy Mangaluru-Bengaluru stretch of NH-66. Local residents have voiced strong concerns about the rubbish piling up near these illegal setups. Discarded tender coconut shells and other waste are creating a mess.
District Administration Takes Action
In response to these complaints, the district administration is gearing up for a major crackdown. Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV confirmed that the matter will be discussed in the upcoming Road Safety Committee meeting. A special drive is planned to clear these encroachments from the highways.
"We have discussed this issue in many previous committee meetings," said DC Darshan HV. "Drives were conducted against illegal shops, including roadside fish vendors, on several occasions. However, the illegal vending continues despite our measures."
High-Level Meeting Planned
A crucial meeting will soon bring together key officials. Participants will include the DCP traffic, representatives from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and other stakeholders. The goal is to develop a coordinated strategy to tackle the persistent problem of highway encroachments.
Fish Truck Pollution Adds to Woes
The district administration is also tackling another major issue. Fish-transporting trucks are polluting roads by leaking water during transit from Mangaluru. This spillage creates slippery and hazardous conditions for motorists.
"Action will also be initiated against the spillage of water from fish-laden trucks that pollute the roads in the city and on highways," the DC stated. He noted that the administration has received numerous complaints from the public about this problem.
Strict Measures Announced
Authorities are taking a firm stance. Fish meal factories and transportation agencies have been directed to adopt technology and use scientific methods for transporting fish. The administration is considering strong penalties for violators.
"We will consider imposing penalties and suspend the permits of such vehicles," DC Darshan HV warned. A separate meeting involving officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the fisheries department will be held soon to finalise the action plan against polluting fish trucks.
The twin drives against illegal highway shops and fish truck pollution mark a significant effort by Mangaluru authorities to improve road safety and cleanliness. Residents are hopeful that these measures will bring lasting change to the city's major thoroughfares.
