Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/PMD)
Udupi, Aug 13: Sometimes, protest, especially of a unique kind that captures the media glare, is the only way to wake up the authorities and force them into taking action. One such extraordinary protest held by a social worker has borne results in less than a week, bringing much relief, though temporary, to the citizens.
The road near Manipal bus stand that was full of large potholes was repaired on Friday morning, August 11.
Assitant engineer, NHAI, Manjunath Nayak assured that the stretch would be paved with tar, once monsoons end. For now, the wet mix has been used as a substitute to fill the potholes, he said.
Social worker Nithyananda Olakadu on August 8 had held a symbolic protest where he swam in the potholes to drive home his point. This caught the attention of the authorities concerned about the pathetic condition of the Malpe-Manipal national highway.
The successful maverick thanked the department on the relief.
"Protests should not be the only propellant to solve problems. Many government officials go through the route. They ought to have been aware of the commuters' problem and not waited for us to protest. Officials must immediately solve problems upon a request," said Nithyananda to daijiworld.