Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Aug 8: In a unique protest, social worker Nithyananda Olakadu on Tuesday, August 8, swam symbolically in potholes to catch the attention of concerned authorities regarding the pathetic condition of Malpe-Manipal national highway 66.
The well-know social worker, donned in a rain coat and gloves, received enough support from the locals for the symbolic protest.
Addressing mediapersons, Nithyananda Olakadu said, “Manipal is popularly known all over the world as an educational hub. Recently, I had a bad experience, when a patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest, died before we could reach hospital. He died half way to the hospital, due to the pathetic condition of roads here. So I decided to protest.”
“Thousands of commuters use this road. The road from Syndicate circle to MIT Manipal is completely damaged. There are many slush-filled potholes, the road resembles like a mini paddy field and vehicles move with great difficulty. Both the central and the state government should draw their attention to these NH roads,” he stated.
“The concerned department should take certain measures. As the road is upgraded to national highway, special facilities should be provided by the government which are missing here. The road must be concretised. The contract workers and commission agents are enjoying part of funds instead of providing service. Due to the poor quality of concrete works, the locals are suffering since years. Such contractors name should be black-listed. The concerned department should start concrete work at the earliest,” added Nithyananda.
“Taxi driver Vittal, who has working since 32 years in Manipal said, “We are facing the same problem since years. No one is bothered about the road. There is still some confusion if the road belongs to CMC or NHAI. There is no lighting at Manipal bus stop since two months. This shows the municipality’s negligence towards the interests of the people.”
Harish, a conductor said, “There is no space to park buses at Manipal bus stand. It is very hard to pass through this road. Driving is a big challenge on these roads.”
Tharanatha Mesta, a protester, expressed his anger by symbolically fishing in the potholes.
Balakrishna Kodavoor and other locals joined the symbolic protest.