Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (EP)
Bhatkal, Jun 24: When one thinks of developments in Bhatkal during the last decade, Bhatkal bus stand can be forgotten. The reality of bus stand comes in front of the people during the monsoons.
The roof of the bus stand leaks this year too like every year. The loose cement lumps falling from it every now and then and the electric cables spread on its walls have been telling the story of the bus stand over the years. The arrangement for parking the buses also is not proper. People here have protested for bus facilities and bus passes, but very few have asked for a suitable bus stand. People remained quiet even after seeing well-constructed bus stands coming up in other taluks.
When people saw the name of new bus stand in the list of development works in the last five years, they were glad. The last government joined hands for the proposal of independent MLA during elections. It approved Rs five crore out of Rs 10 crore for the bus stand project. Work has started. Now that elections are over, the question about when the remaining Rs five crore will be released for completing the project is troubling people.
Protestors ‘fish’ front of bus stand
Two mini lakes on both entrances to the bus stand are getting formed during every monsoon. Pedestrians, two wheeler riders and those who are trying to enter the bus stand bear its brunt. When voices to set right the situation become loud, the administration gets the pits filled with powdered stone and washes its hands to be reminded only when the mud goes deeper.
A group of young men protested planting a sapling in the big pot hole on June 22. The road in front of the bus stand, Azadnagar fourth cross and Bhoutani road resembles a mini lake. Protesters threw fishing hooks in the water expressing their anguish. Misba who is well known for catching snakes entering houses and compounds, led the protests. He said that several accidents are taking place due to potholes, but officials and elected representatives show no concern.
“A man was riding on two wheeler for some urgent work day before yesterday. As a bus passing in front of him splashed water from the pothole on him, he went back home to change clothes. When he returned, the office timings were over. Several such incidents are happening here. Who is responsible for the consequences?” he asked.