The Iconic Saturday Shandy at Bikarnakatte Kaikamba to Likely Go Away If Widening of NH 169 Takes Place

The Bikarnakatte-Kaikamba’s Saturday Shandy (Sante) that has been a part and parcel of people in that area since the past five decades, will either go away or become a third of its present size, if the widening of NH 169 takes place. The market has been in existence for 50 years serving the population living about 10 kms radial distance. The market gets vegetables and fruits from vendors from even outside the district and prices are comparatively cheaper.

As of now, the matter is in the High Court regarding compensation, the market is delayed from immediate action, but once the case is cleared of legal hurdles, the market will be a thing of the past. The NHAI has so far refused to withdraw the case against the award of compensation by the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO). The land losers have been waiting for more than seven years for their land to be acquired and development to start. As per the SLAO’s report, an extent of 97,053 sq mts of land is required to be acquired at a cost of Rs 286.5 crore.

NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi said as of now the Padavu village is not in the NHAI purview till the case is decided. “We will be developing the four land from the end of Padavu village (near Kudupu),’’ he added, indicating that the market area is not on their radar as of now.