Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Aug 12: In a unique protest, locals placed an effigy on the road here to draw attention to the struggle of vehicle drivers on a damaged road with several potholes. Eagerness of road users to look at the effigy caused traffic jam for more than half an hour.

There was a long line of vehicles on the national highway passing through BC Road from petrol bunk to BC Road bus stand. Lorries, buses, cars, scooters and bikes remained stuck from 5.30 pm to 6.15 pm.

As there are large potholes on the road and repeated repairs were futile, locals made an effigy of a man wearing white pants, white kurta and a helmet. A garland was put around its neck. A slate was hung on it with the writing, ‘Heegoo Unte’, (can it be like this). It drew attention of vehicle drivers causing traffic blockade. At one juncture, vehicles started to go on the flyover. Finally, Home Guards personnel of Bantwal removed the effigy and regulated traffic.

Vehicle drivers have been suffering for several months due to potholes on BC Road highway. Travellers going to distant places face hardship.