Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Oct 12: Two social activists conducted a silent protest here at Nanthoor circle on Saturday, October 12, over potholes on national highways which are causing series of accidents.
Arjun Mascarenhas and Roopan Fernandes are the two social activists who undertook the silent protest. Two weeks ago they had even protested at Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on the same issue and later meet MCC officials to place their demands. After the protest at Nanthoor, they will to meet NHAI officials to submit memorandum.
National highways throughout Mangaluru are completely damaged leading to accidents claiming several lives. Many social activists had their raised voice through protest and demanded the repair of roads. But the authorities and ministers are silent without responding to the demands of general public.
Several bike riders lost their lives trying to escape from potholes. During monsoon the roads in these areas will turn from bad to worse which pose danger to motorists.
From past one year, people have witnessed several protests over the same issue. On several occasions, Mangaluru traffic police set an example where they filled potholes on Mangaluru-Udupi stretch of NH 66 with the help of concrete mixer. Traffic police women along with rickshaw drivers and a few locals also were seen filling potholes near Bendorewell. While appreciating the social concern of these people, the apathy of NHAI officials needs to be deplored.
Most of the roads in Mangaluru are under pathetic condition starting from Padil, Nanthoor, Surathkal and other parts of Mangaluru. The temporary repair work of roads is being often done which after a few months gives way to more miserable and dangerous roads.
Recently, an artiste dressed up as an astronaut and walked on the roads in Mangaluru central market to draw attention of MCC towards crater sized potholes on city roads.
Speaking to daijiworld.com, Roopan Fernandes said, "This is a silent protest to draw the attention of the authorities over poor condition of Nanthoor round about intercepting the national highway. Several times silent protests have been conducted by individuals. Accidents keep taking place due to the bad road condition. We need to raise our voices together to push this matter to the authorities. We will meet the authorities and keep forth our demands to provide people with road for safe drive.
Arjun Mascarenhas said, "The government should take steps to provide at least basic facilities like providing good roads to its citizens.”