Bhatkal: The Bhatkal tahsildar’s office has issued a public notice announcing that the Peepal (Ashwath) tree along with its platform at Ranginkatte on NH-66 will be removed on December 24 to facilitate the widening of National Highway-66.
According to the notice dated December 16, the Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada, through an order issued on November 27, directed the Bhatkal tahsildar to forcibly take possession of the land on behalf of the Special Land Acquisition Officer, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Honnavar. The direction followed the failure of the concerned landowners to comply with the notice issued for handing over possession of Survey No. 604 of Susgadi village in Bhatkal taluk.
The tahsildar stated that the land, located at Ranginkatte in Susgadi village, has already been acquired for the NH-66 expansion project and that removal of the Peepal tree along with its platform has become unavoidable for the continuation of highway works.
Taking into account the religious sentiments associated with the Peepal tree, the authorities have allowed a one-week window for individuals or groups to perform pooja, prayers or other religious rituals at the site. Such activities may be carried out up to December 23, 2025.
The notice makes it clear that no further opportunity will be provided after the stipulated date. From December 24, 2025, the land will be formally handed over to the Special Land Acquisition Officer, and the Peepal tree platform will be removed in accordance with the law. Any public representations or objections received after December 23 will not be entertained, the notice added.