Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 17: Public forum MCC Civic Group and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a unique protest by floating paper boats in water-filled potholes here at Kankanady Market Road on Tuesday, October 17. The protesters were seen dressed like fishermen fishing in the potholes.

Social activist Gerald Towers said, "MCC has failed in maintaining the roads. Even after frequent demands, there is no response from the officials. Potholes here look dangerous and have even claimed lives. Rainwater filled in the potholes is splashed on pedestrians by speeding vehicles."

Dilapidated roads across Mangaluru have been a main concern for pedestrians and motorists. Raods at Padil, Bendorewell, Jyothi, and Kankanady have large crater like potholes. While driver’s errors such as speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving are among the leading causes of automobile accidents in Mangaluru, dangerous road conditions are also a significant contributor. Potholes have been claiming lives every now and then for a while now in the state.

Dangerous road conditions may be the result of natural events, such as tropical rains and flooding that make driving unsafe. Dangerous conditions can also arise from the poor physical condition of a road and its surroundings. Rain this time in Mangaluru is a rare sight. Even a slight drizzle can throw traffic out of gear and force pedestrians to wade through sludge and sewage. Water-logging is a common sight.

Voices have been raised all over regarding potholes and demanding repair of roads, but so far everything has gone in vain. Recently, rickshaw drivers too staged protest, but no measures have been taken. Even students of Bertrand School at Baikampady set an example by repairing the road opposite their school which posed danger. While appreciating the concern of the students, NHAI officials’ apathy needs to be deplored.

The depth of the potholes on the city roads is considerable, and the stretch is horrible when it rains and cannot even avoid the unevenness of the road as the vehicular movement is restricted on busy roads. Also, it poses danger to motorist during after the evening hours due to fading natural light and lack of street lights.