Manipal: Here a pot hole there a pot hole, everywhere a pot hole seems to the refrain of riders, drivers and pedestrians alike in this educational hub that has residents from across the world. It will definitely lower the city’s, the state’s and the country’s prestige in the comity of nations.
The potholes filled with water owing to monsoon showers give a filthy splash to pedestrians, whenever a vehicle passes over them. The area which witnesses brisk activities due to presence of large number of students, patients and a huge population associated with various business establishments in the town, is bearing the brunt of the bad roads.Avinash Achar, a shopkeeper told the press, that riding motorbike in Manipal was a hellish experience. “Wherever we go, roads are ridden with potholes, some of them as deep as one to two feet. Still the administration is silent. It is the basic infrastructural facility that should be provided by the administration. The officials do not realize the sufferings, as they rarely travel on these roads”, he added expressing his anger against the Municipality.
Jayanti Nayak, a bank employee who travels on her two-wheeler from Udupi to Manipal says she has developed joint pain owing to her ride. “It is terrible. The area houses a big hospital and people from all over the State and neighbouring States come for the treatment. It is scary if one has to rush to the hospital during an emergency on these roads,” she added.
Meanwhile, City Municipality president Yuvaraj said that the main stretch passing through Manipal city comes under the purview of National Highway Authority. Hence, repair works can’t be taken up on the main stretch. Although the road is badly damaged, the CMC is helpless. However, the connecting stretches would be considered for repair after the rain stops. The general fund from Municipality is used for the purpose.
Even if repair works are taken up at present, the road will not survive for longer period, as the rain water will washes away the concrete. Once the rain recedes, the work will be taken up. There is no dearth of funds and only requirement is bright sun for couple of days, he added.
It seems that authorities survive on the blame game, while residents and commuters suffer. It’s not a resident’s concern whether the road comes under the NHAI or the City Muncipal Council, all they want is it to be repaired.
