Residents of Hakke-Huluse village near Kudige in Kodagu district took to the streets, staging a strong protest against a controversial administrative proposal. The villagers gathered at the Hakke Village Circle, vehemently opposing the district administration's plan to establish a stray dog care centre in their locality.
Core Grievances Behind the Village Protest
The protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the plan to set up the stray dog facility. They expressed strong opposition, arguing that the village is already struggling with significant problems caused by wild animals. The villagers fear that introducing a centre for stray dogs would compound their existing difficulties, creating additional safety and nuisance concerns.
Beyond the animal centre issue, the demonstration highlighted other long-pending civic needs. The community pressed for the urgent construction of a bus shelter in Hakke village, which falls under the Hebbale gram panchayat limits. They also sought action against encroachments on local lakes.
Broken Promises and Missing Infrastructure
Located along the busy Madikeri-Hassan highway, Hakke village currently has no functional bus shelter. The protesters pointed out that the old bus stand was demolished during road development works several years ago. Since then, despite repeated appeals, no alternative shelter has been provided, leaving commuters exposed to the elements.
Official Response and Assurances Given
Tahsildar Kiran Gouraiah, along with other officials, visited the protest site for discussions. They engaged with a delegation that included social activist Mohan, former gram panchayat member and president HS Ashok, Congress leader HK Natesh Gowda, gram panchayat vice-president Latha, and members Manjunath and Shivananjappa.
The tahsildar listened to the villagers' objections and provided a key assurance. He stated that the proposal to establish the stray dog care centre would be reviewed in light of the strong local opposition.
The protest was ultimately called off after Public Works Department engineer Abarj assured the villagers that concrete steps would be taken to construct the much-needed bus shelter in Hakke village. This direct commitment on a critical infrastructure issue helped resolve the immediate standoff.
