Dharwad: Heavy pre-monsoon showers lasting about an hour caused disruptions in vehicular movement along Dharwad-Hubballi Road, stretching from KMF to NTTF, on Thursday evening. Citizens, familiar with the area’s susceptibility to flooding during heavy rain, expressed frustration towards BRTS, PWD, and national highway authorities for allegedly overlooking technical advice during the construction of dedicated lanes for BRTS.
Challenges Faced by Commuters
During the downpour, two-wheelers parked on the roadside were washed away, and numerous four-wheelers became stranded in rainwater. Traffic police encountered difficulties diverting traffic from Dharwad to Hubballi near Bagalkot petrol pump.
Concerns Raised by Residents
Residents, such as Basanagouda Patil from Rajatgiri, highlighted the impact of flooding on the stretch and neighboring areas like Jannat Nagar. They attributed the flooding to water gushing from nearby Saraswatpur and Kalghtagi Road, emphasizing the absence of drainage systems on Kalghtagi Road. The construction of dedicated lanes for BRTS without adequate drainage worsened the situation, according to residents.
Criticism of Construction Practices
Harish Kulkarni, a resident of Vidyagiri, criticized the quality of construction work, noting its vulnerability during the rainy season. He lamented the delay in repair works, which typically commence in March after a delayed tendering process, resulting in rushed and substandard outcomes. Kulkarni questioned why paperwork is not completed before November to ensure early repair works.
