In Sandur taluk, residents are increasingly distressed as the relentless movement of mining trucks overwhelms local roads, creating daily disruptions and heightened safety concerns. The ongoing chaos has transformed what were once manageable routes into perilous thoroughfares, where the fear of navigating congested streets is now a constant reality.
Major routes such as Sandur to Nandihalli and Kumaraswamy have become particularly treacherous. Students at the postgraduate centre and devotees travelling to the Kumaraswamy temple face significant challenges, as heavy truck traffic hampers their commutes. Commuters heading to Devegiri, Subbarayanahalli, and Kammatturu are similarly affected, experiencing long delays and unsafe conditions. The Sandur to Kudligi road, especially near Yeshwantnagar, has seen residents struggle to cross paths with these massive trucks, while Babayya Cross suffers from severe congestion that disrupts both public transport and emergency services.
The situation stems from the presence of 30 active mining sites within Sandur, leading to an alarming increase in mineral production. Each year, over 32 million tons of minerals are extracted, necessitating the use of numerous trucks for transportation. Unfortunately, the existing road infrastructure has not been upgraded to accommodate this surge in traffic, resulting in persistent jams and dangerous conditions. Compounding the problem are delays in issuing permits through the Integrated Lease Management System (ILMS), which are often hampered by network issues. As a result, trucks flood the roads all at once once permits are finally granted, exacerbating the congestion.
Despite the growing crisis, regional transport authorities have been largely absent, showing up only for local meetings without implementing effective measures to alleviate the situation. Public appeals for stricter police enforcement in critical areas have gone unanswered, leaving residents feeling neglected and frustrated.
The statistics are alarming: since 2021, police records indicate that 152 fatalities from accidents have occurred in the Sandur jurisdiction. The tragic loss of a postgraduate student near Nandihalli a few years ago remains unresolved, as investigations have failed to identify the vehicle responsible. Similarly, two brothers from Krishnanagar village lost their lives in a recent accident at Babayya Cross, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and action.
Local organisations have voiced strong accusations against authorities for their neglect. They argue that, while mining operations have generated substantial revenue for the government, no alternative routes have been developed to alleviate the burden of truck traffic. Leaders like TM Shivakumar of the Jan Sangrama Parishat have highlighted that over ₹30,000 crore is currently sitting in the KMERCS fund, which could be utilised to construct alternative roads and mitigate the issues faced by the public.
Residents of Sandur are pleading for immediate action to address the traffic chaos and enhance road safety. As the mining industry continues to thrive, the voices of the community must be heard, demanding sustainable solutions that prioritise both public safety and infrastructure development.
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