Mangaluru: Concern over relocation of Srinivas Mallya statue for NH widening

Team Udayavani, Dec 31, 2024, 8:16 PM IST

Mangaluru: The statue of Dakshina Kannada district’s first Member of Parliament, U Srinivas Mallya, located near Padua junction on National Highway 66, is facing relocation due to ongoing highway development work. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials have stated that the statue must be moved as part of the construction activities between Nantoor and KPT, creating a pressing need to find an alternative site for the statue.

Locals have expressed their concern and called for the statue to be relocated to an appropriate location. While NHAI authorities have confirmed that the relocation is inevitable, they have not yet provided any details regarding the new location. The public is urging the authorities to discuss the matter with the Mangaluru City Corporation and find a suitable place for the statue before moving it.

Srinivas Mallya, who served as the first MP for Dakshina Kannada district, played a pivotal role in the region’s development. During his tenure, significant infrastructure projects such as the construction of New Mangalore Port Authority, the Mangalore-Bangalore railway line, KREC (now NITK), National Highway 66, All India Radio station, Ullal Bridge, Circuit House, and the Mangalore Kudmul Ranganath Rao Town Hall were completed. He was instrumental in transforming the district’s landscape through these initiatives.

A similar incident occurred during the construction of the flyover in Pumpwell, where the Kalasha at the Mahavver circle was removed without finding a proper alternative location, resulting in its poor upkeep. Currently, it is abandoned in a corner, in a deteriorated condition. There are concerns that the same fate may befall the statue of Srinivas Mallya if not relocated properly. Public voices are stressing the need for respectful handling of the statue and ensuring its proper relocation, as the Kalasha incident has left people wary of a repeat situation.

No opposition for development

Official Statement

“Municipality has received requests regarding the statue of Srinivas Mallya near Padua. Instructions have been given to ensure that no harm comes to the statue. It has been directed to take necessary precautions during the construction work or to proceed with the removal of the statue for the work. Later, appropriate measures will be taken to construct a park and reinstall the statue suitably.” — Anand C.L., MCC Commissioner