A petition has been filed by local farmers concerning the Halga-Machche Bypass project, requesting that no work be carried out until the ‘Zero Point’ is officially determined. A hearing on the matter was conducted in the Civil Court, which has directed the National Highways Authority to present its case. The next hearing is scheduled for September 17.
Although the ‘Zero Point’ has not yet been finalized and the court has imposed a stay, the Highways Authority has proceeded with construction, claiming that the court granted permission to continue. In response, the farmers approached the civil court to challenge this action.
The main issue under dispute is that the ‘Zero Point’ should start from the Fish Market Camp, not from Halga, as claimed by the Highways Authority. So far, no official decision has been made on this matter.
The farmers have demanded that the bypass not be used or constructed further until the ‘Zero Point’ is clearly fixed. Additionally, they have not received any compensation despite approaching the court. It was also highlighted that efforts are ongoing to push the project forward despite the legal proceedings.