Mangaluru: Trial design for Dr. Ambedkar Circle gains traction

Mangaluru: The long-standing demand for a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Ambedkar Circle is finally seeing progress. However, challenges such as traffic congestion and lack of space at the junction have prompted the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to adopt a trial model for constructing the circle with the statue.

Decades-Old Demand

The proposal to install Dr. Ambedkar’s statue at the circle has been a demand for over a decade. Various organizations have submitted petitions to the MCC, following which a foundation stone was laid on September 15, coinciding with International Democracy Day, for the circle and statue construction.

Traffic Challenges

Ambedkar Circle is a critical junction with high vehicular movement. Vehicles from State Bank, Bunts Hostel, and Balmatta converge here, leading to frequent traffic jams. The presence of a bus stop for buses heading towards Balmatta adds to the congestion, complicating the movement of vehicles in the area.

The circle was named Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle in 1994 by then Deputy Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena, following demands by Dalit organizations. Although plans for constructing the circle were initiated at the time, technical hurdles caused significant delays in its execution.

Space Constraints

The proposed circle will be situated near the free-left turn from Bavutagudda towards Milagres. The MCC has suggested constructing the circle on an existing island at the junction. Officials have stated that a decision will be taken after carefully evaluating the pros and cons.

Plans for the Statue

Mayor Manoj Kumar assured that the circle’s construction would not disrupt vehicular movement. “The trial design includes expanding the road by 3 meters on either side to accommodate the circle. The trial phase will help assess traffic conditions post-construction,” he added.

The corporation is moving forward with the plan to construct a circle at the junction, incorporating a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It has been emphasized that the bronze statue will be installed facing east.

Dalit Groups’ Proposal

Meanwhile, leaders of the advocacy committee have insisted on implementing appropriate safety measures to ensure the statue’s construction does not cause inconvenience to the public or disrupt vehicular movement.

The Dalit Rights Forum has proposed constructing a 15-meter-wide (approximately 50 square feet) circle and installing Dr. Ambedkar’s statue. The committee has submitted detailed plans to the MCC, estimating a budget of Rs 75 lakh for the project.