Hubballi: Days of intermittent rain and persistent drizzle have exposed the poor state of civic infrastructure in Hubballi and Dharwad, leaving roads across the twin cities muddy, waterlogged and difficult to navigate. Hidden potholes, slippery surfaces and inadequate drainage have made daily travel challenging, with residents urging authorities to undertake immediate repairs.
Muddy roads and hidden potholes disrupt daily travel
Continuous rainfall has transformed several major roads and interior streets into slushy stretches, creating serious difficulties for commuters. Two-wheeler riders, schoolchildren and pedestrians are among the worst affected as they struggle to move through waterlogged roads and slippery pathways.
The problem is particularly severe on roads dug up for underground utility works and left unrestored. Rainwater mixing with loose soil has created thick layers of mud, slowing traffic and increasing the risk of accidents. Residents say even a brief spell of rain is enough to make many roads nearly impassable.
Adding to their woes, passing vehicles frequently splash muddy water onto nearby houses and commercial establishments, causing inconvenience to residents and shopkeepers.
Residents blame poor maintenance and drainage
Residents have criticised the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), alleging that poor restoration of roads after civic works and inadequate stormwater drainage have worsened the situation despite repeated complaints.
Arun Badiger, a resident of Renuka Nagar on Gokul Road, appealed to the civic body to repair damaged roads, improve drainage and restore affected stretches without delay. He said roads in Ramalingeshwar Nagar and surrounding areas have deteriorated significantly following the recent rains.
Similarly, Manjunath Hosalli, who travels daily between Gamanagatti and the Tarihal Industrial Estate, said the damaged stretch continues to pose safety risks. While the road from Navanagar to Gamanagatti has been repaired, the remaining section remains in poor condition and requires urgent attention.
HDMC says repair work will begin after rains
Congress leader Rajat Ullagaddimath alleged that the deteriorating roads reflected poor construction quality and inadequate maintenance under the BJP-led corporation. He said the party would soon launch protests demanding better roads and improved civic amenities.
Responding to the concerns, HDMC Commissioner Dr Rudresh Ghali said work orders have already been issued under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana (MGNVY) to improve nearly 44 km of roads. However, the contractor has been unable to begin repairs due to the prevailing weather conditions.
He added that the work would commence once the rains subside. Dr Ghali also clarified that roads beneath the under-construction flyover fall under the jurisdiction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), though HDMC has urged the agency to make the affected stretches motorable and expedite improvement works.