Chikkamagaluru: Bharati Street and Harihara Street in the temple town of Sringeri will be widened to 66 feet, MLA TD Rajegowda has said.“Road widening has become inevitable due to the increasing number of devotees and vehicle congestion. We have decided to widen Bharati Street and Harihara Street,” Rajegowda said adding that the temple town, which attracts 80 to 90 lakh tourists and devotees every year, needs to be developed as a well-planned town.33 feet on either side notifiedAccording to a govt notification in the village map, the road’s centre has been notified with 33 feet on either side.“Those who give up more land than notified for the road will be given double compensation. Those who surrender land will be given honourable compensation,” Rajegowda said.He said the project was not targeted at any individual and that opinions and suggestions from local residents would be considered.Sringeri is an ancient agrahara, and its houses have heritage value. There is much confusion regarding ownership and measurement. He said the plan will be implemented without harming them.Traders raise concernTrader Gokuldas Nayak questioned the need to widen Bharati Street when a bypass road already exists.“Many people will face problems. Traffic congestion can be avoided by using parallel roads and link roads. Congestion occurs only on some stretches of the main road, so demolishing all houses should be avoided. Give proper compensation to the public and then proceed,” he demanded.Another trader, Abhiram, said traders operating from rented shops would be affected, and the govt should provide compensation as there are hundreds of apprehensions while adopting something new.Rathabeedi to get boostRajegowda said the widening would help trade, ensure smooth traffic and provide parking space. Since the Sharada Matha Rathotsava is held at Rathabeedi, widening will be beneficial.“Road widening has already been done in Jayapura, Balehonnur, Narasimharajapura, Hariharapura and Kadabagere. It has helped trade and business. Everyone’s cooperation is needed for widening,” he said.He said he had discussed the issue with the chief minister, who had responded positively. The aim is to widen the roads to 66 feet, as per the earlier guidelines.“No one should be confused,” he said.
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