Mangaluru: Nearly two years have passed since the park, where the statue of former MP U Srinivas Mallya stood, was cleared to make way for the National Highway-66 widening project at Paduva. Although National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced road-widening and other work, the statue’s surroundings remain neglected.No steps have been taken to either beautify the area or relocate the statue. Authorities have yet to take meaningful action to show due respect to the late parliamentarian, widely regarded as the architect of Dakshina Kannada’s development.The issue was discussed during an official review meeting regarding the proposals for constructing vehicle overpasses (VOP) and service roads at Nanthoor and KPT junctions on NH-66 at the deputy commissioner’s office on July 20, 2024.At the meeting chaired by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi mentioned plans to shift the statue of former MP U Srinivas Mallya from the park to develop the service road.Later, in Nov 2024, Congress leaders warned that a protest would have to be organised if NHAI removed the statue of U Srinivas Mallya without identifying a suitable alternative location to shift it.Former District Congress Committee (DCC) president Harish Kumar said that US Mallya was instrumental in bringing many development projects to Dakshina Kannada, including Mangaluru airport, New Mangalore Port, erstwhile Karnataka Regional Engineering College (now NITK), Mangaluru Akashvani, Circuit House, Mangaluru–Bengaluru railway line, renovation of Wenlock District Hospital, and development of several bridges and roads. He demanded the restoration of the park.Locals said that the park surrounding the statue was well maintained until it was cleared by NHAI.MP Capt Chowta said that he had already instructed the concerned authorities to develop the park. “I have already instructed officials to take necessary initiatives. We are working on a plan,” he said.Deputy commissioner Darshan HV, who is also the administrator of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), said that the city corporation is planning to develop the park.
