Bengaluru: In a unique attempt to draw the attention of civic authorities, a Bengaluru engineer-entrepreneur has taken to social media by running along a badly damaged road in west Bengaluru, highlighting the poor condition of basic infrastructure in his neighbourhood.
The video, posted by Dhananjaya Bhandarkar, has gone viral, drawing attention to the long-pending demand for proper roads in Rudrappa Layout, located off Andrahalli Main Road near Peenya.
Viral run highlights neglected roads
In the video, Dhananjaya runs along the unpaved stretch of road, pointing out that while the first 200 metres have been asphalted, the remaining 1.5 km continues to be dusty, uneven and difficult to navigate.
He appealed to Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Yeshwanthpur MLA S.T. Somashekar to intervene and ensure the road is finally asphalted.
The unconventional protest has struck a chord online, with the video garnering thousands of views within days.
Residents await promised infrastructure
According to Dhananjaya, Rudrappa Layout was formed nearly a decade ago, with homes coming up over the last six to seven years. Residents were initially informed that road work would begin after the completion of Cauvery drinking water pipeline works.
Although the pipeline project was completed about a year ago, the roads remain in poor condition.
“We have invested our money, built homes and live close to the Peenya industrial hub. We deserve at least basic roads,” Dhananjaya said, adding that a complaint filed through the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s online portal received no response.
Creative protest after conventional efforts failed
Dhananjaya said he decided to combine his regular running routine with civic activism after earlier attempts to highlight the issue failed to gain attention.
He also revealed plans for another creative protest if the issue remains unresolved, saying he intends to perform a handstand on the same road in his next video.
One line from his video particularly resonated with viewers: “To cover the pot ‘holes’ of the city, the authorities should work ‘whole’heartedly.”
The viral campaign has once again brought focus to the infrastructure challenges faced by several residential layouts across Bengaluru that continue to await basic civic amenities.