Mangalore: 'Road' to Change - Citizens Make Loud Noise to Wake up Mute Administration
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS/NM)
Mangalore, Mar 23: The call given by Jaago Mangalore Association to hold a unique protest againt the administration over bad roads in the city drew large support from the public here on Friday March 23.
Protestors across the city expressed their disspointment and angst over potholes, unorganized system of digging for pipelines and indifference to traffic problems, by honking for about 5 minutes non-stop.
The protest was backed by some of the voluntary bodies and trade associations like DK Autorickshaw Drivers Union, DK Bus Operators Association, Kanara Bus Owners Association, Quarry and Stone Crushers Association, Lions Clubs, Jaycees, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.
What stole the attention was the enthusiasm of the members of Malnad Youth Association, which is based in different districts. The Association members were present near PVS circle in huge numbers, raising their concern over bad roads.
At the protest near Navabharat Circle in Kodialbail, KPCC secretary Ivan D’Souza said that bad roads relfect bad administration. "Only 60 percent of the funds allotted for road works is utilized and the remaining 40 percent is pocketed by officials and contractors. The government should immediately act on the issue," he urged.
As many as 20 rickshaw drivers and other vehicle drivers started honking in the middle of the road at Navabharat Circle.
Some enthusiastic citizens too joined in for the cause. However, some of the senior citizens and women riding on two-wheelers and four-wheelers stayed away keeping in mind the issue of sound pollution.
Congress leader Praveenchandra Alva also was present on the occasion. Later the protestors took a procession till PVS. In other parts of the city like Bejai (in front of Bharath Mall) and Hampankatta too people joined in with their vehicles, and so also in Mijar, Moodbidri.
Yedapadavu Junction
A separate protest was staged at Yedapadavu Junction and the public was requested to assemble at Mijar near Bolechar Bridge at 5 pm. A stage was set up and there was a road blockade at the spot at 6 pm for the next half hour, after which free movement of traffic commenced.
Speaking on the occasion, coordinator of Jaago Mangalore Vijaynath Shetty thanked the people in general and the protestors for their positive response and for gathering in huge numbers. He also thanked the police department for their cooperation and for maintaining law and order.
Shetty further said that encouraged by the huge support, the Association plans to hold similar protests twice or thrice a year to create awareness and make the authorities realize their duties and responsibilities towards the public.
He also added that the motive behind the campaign was not to create hatred towards administration but only an attempt to change the system and make it more efficient.
Hundreds of people gathered at the junction and the line of vehicles stretched for nearly a kilometre. The protest was marked by bhajans and music.