Despite clear court directions that no work should begin until the “Zero Point” is finalised, construction activity on the Halga–Machhe bypass has triggered fresh legal scrutiny.
The Court issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Officer, and officials of the National Highways Authority, seeking their response within ten days on why work has commenced in violation of earlier orders.
The bypass project, in the works since 2009, has faced sustained opposition from farmers, who moved the High Court challenging the alignment. The Court had earlier directed that construction should not start until the Zero Point is conclusively determined, and asked that the issue be settled through a petition in the District Civil Court.
While farmers complied and initiated proceedings, repeated delays in hearings forced them to approach higher courts again. The Court had reiterated its stand—no work before Zero Point finalisation.
However, over the past few days, construction has reportedly picked up pace. Farmers have also alleged that attempts are being made to carry out work within their agricultural lands, which they are resisting.
“It is absolutely essential that the Zero Point be finalised. The Court has reiterated this multiple times, yet work continues. We have once again brought this to the Court’s notice,” said Advocate Ravikumar Gokakkar, following which notices have now been issued seeking an explanation on why the work should not be halted.
This is why, belagavi development is halted.. Many small cities like vijaypur, shimaoga, hassan rapidly expanding our city is lagging on all fronts.. God save bgm. There is group lobby to stall namma belagavi development.. And our MLA s are also of dumb and deaf.. They r interested only in developing their families