Mysuru: Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists staged a demonstration outside the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) office on Sayyaji Rao Road on Thursday, protesting against the poor condition of roads across several parts of the city.
The protesters alleged that several arterial roads and streets in residential areas remained riddled with potholes, while underground drainage and road works had been left incomplete.
In a memorandum submitted to MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha, CPI(M) activists urged the civic authorities to undertake durable road development using quality materials instead of carrying out temporary patchwork by laying asphalt during the Dasara season.
Unfinished works add to public inconvenience
The protesters said white-topping works being carried out in various parts of the city were causing traffic disruptions during working hours and forcing motorists and pedestrians to travel through dusty roads.
They alleged that delays in completing the works had further aggravated the condition of several roads.
According to the memorandum, half-finished underground drainage and road works had contributed to the formation of additional potholes. The protesters also highlighted problems caused by clogged drains and overflowing manholes, with sewage and wastewater allegedly flowing onto roads in some areas.
The memorandum was signed by CPI(M) Mysuru District Committee secretary Jagadish Surya and Mysuru City Local Committee secretary N. Subramanya.
Several areas affected
The CPI(M) listed several major roads and residential areas where it claimed road and underground drainage works remained incomplete.
The areas mentioned included the stretch from Kuvempunagar Complex to Andolana Circle, Vivekananda Circle, Srirampura and Anikethana Road from Cauvery School to Jnanaganga School.
Sharadadevinagar, Sahukar Channaiah Road, the main roads from 5th to 9th Cross in Bogadi II Stage, 7th Main Road in Saraswathipuram and Swimming Pool Road were also among the locations cited.
The protesters further pointed to Police Station Road in Ramakrishnanagar, Vinayakanagar, N.R. Mohalla, Mandi Mohalla, Shaktinagar and Lakshmipuram.
According to the CPI(M), the combination of unfinished road and drainage works had created difficulties for residents and motorists in these areas.
Rain worsens pothole problem
The protesters said the dust generated by ongoing road works was compounded by rainfall, which had further worsened road conditions.
The memorandum stated that water accumulated on roads during rainfall, making commuting difficult. The CPI(M) claimed that during heavy rain, particularly at night, potholes submerged under flowing water had created dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.
The party alleged that there had been instances of people falling into such potholes and meeting with accidents.
It urged the civic authorities to address the problem before the road conditions resulted in further incidents.
Demand to remove unsafe road humps
The protesters also raised concerns over road humps that they alleged had been installed indiscriminately and without following scientific norms.
According to the CPI(M), such humps were creating difficulties for commuters, particularly senior citizens and women.
The party called upon the authorities to immediately remove road humps that do not comply with prescribed standards.
It also demanded urgent repairs to pothole-ridden roads across the city.
Demand for long-term road development
The protesters urged the MCC to avoid temporary measures aimed at improving roads only during the Dasara season.
Instead, they sought the use of quality materials and proper construction methods to ensure that repaired roads remain durable.
The CPI(M) said the civic authorities should prioritise completion of pending underground drainage and road works and ensure that such projects do not leave roads in hazardous conditions for extended periods.
The party also called for better coordination between road and underground drainage works so that roads are not repeatedly dug up or left unfinished after utility works.
The demonstration comes ahead of the Dasara season, when Mysuru witnesses a significant increase in visitors and movement within the city.