Manipal: Nithyananda Olakadu, a social worker and Secretary of Udupi Senior Citizens Committee staged a unique protest here at Tigar Circle, Manipal junction on September 15 against the poor construction of roads.
He rolled over half naked on the pothole-ridden 150 meters of the road and demonstrated carrying him on ventilation thereafter.
Nithyananda Olakadu had protested last month by swimming in the dirty water on the road to highlight potholes on the road. The protest awakened the department and they temporarily filled the potholes. But the condition of the main road in Manipal worsens during rainy season due to negligence by the authorities concerned.
Speaking to media persons, Nithyananda Olakadu said the last time he protested for the repair of roads, the potholes were filled. However, now the main road is in a hopeless condition where one cannot ride/drive due to potholes and heavy dust. “Pedestrians, students, and all the commuters are affected by dust on this road. People from all over the world even MLAs, ministers, MPs, higher authorities and top leaders pass through this junction of the road but no one has interest to take action”, he lamented.
He demanded that the road should be repaired immediately and warned of intensifying protest if the government failed again.
Rajesh, Taranatha Mesta, Sudharkar Poojary, Raghavendra Prabhu, local college students, auto rickshaw drivers, taxi drivers and others also participated in the protest.
