Mangaluru: Residents of Shivabhag, within the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits, have expressed anger over the deteriorating condition of a major road, incomplete footpaths and sewage flowing onto the street, questioning the city’s Smart City development claims.
The road, which connects important areas including Pumpwell, Bendore and Kadri Shivabhag and provides access to the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Hospital, has become difficult and hazardous to use because of numerous potholes. Residents say the prolonged neglect has affected daily commuters, motorists and pedestrians, with two-wheeler riders particularly vulnerable while navigating the damaged stretch.
Highlighting their frustration, residents have put up a sarcastic banner along the road that reads: “Go slow, these are the memorial potholes of those who came seeking votes.”
The message reflects growing resentment among residents over what they describe as years of inaction by civic authorities and elected representatives despite repeated concerns about the road’s condition.
Residents warn of election boycott
Local resident Ashwini Bhat has warned that residents could boycott elections if the road is not repaired. Expressing disappointment over the lack of visible action, she said the continuing deterioration had left people frustrated with the authorities.
Residents argue that a road serving a prominent residential locality and connecting important parts of the city should receive timely maintenance. Instead, the potholes have made everyday travel inconvenient and potentially dangerous.
For two-wheeler riders, negotiating the damaged surface can be particularly challenging. Sudden manoeuvres to avoid potholes can increase the risk of losing balance or colliding with other vehicles, especially when traffic is moving along the same stretch.
The condition of the road has also raised concerns about access to essential services, including the ESI Hospital. Residents want the authorities to address the damage before it leads to further inconvenience or accidents.
The warning of an election boycott underscores the extent of dissatisfaction in the locality. Residents have indicated that continued neglect of basic infrastructure could influence their participation in future elections.
Incomplete footpaths pose safety concerns
The problems extend beyond the damaged carriageway. Residents have also raised concerns about incomplete footpath construction, which they say has made pedestrian movement difficult and unsafe.
In several places, the footpaths are reportedly nearly a foot higher than the road surface. The difference in elevation makes it challenging for pedestrians to access the footpaths, particularly elderly people, children and those with mobility difficulties.
Footpaths are intended to provide a safe space for pedestrians away from moving traffic. However, unfinished construction and uneven levels can defeat that purpose, forcing people to negotiate obstacles or walk closer to vehicles.
Residents say the work needs to be completed properly, with appropriate levels and safe access points, rather than leaving sections of the footpath in an unfinished condition.
The situation has added to concerns about the planning and execution of civic infrastructure projects in the area. Residents want the MCC to ensure that road repairs and footpath construction are coordinated so that improvements in one part of the street do not leave other essential facilities unusable.
Sewage flowing onto road raises health concerns
The incomplete underground drainage work has further aggravated the situation, with sewage reportedly flowing directly onto the road.
Residents say the persistent discharge has created unhygienic conditions in the locality. Apart from the unpleasant smell and inconvenience, sewage on public roads can create potential health risks and affect the quality of life of people living nearby.
The problem also raises questions about the completion and functioning of the underground drainage network. Residents want the authorities to identify the source of the discharge, complete pending work and ensure that sewage is channelled through a properly functioning system.
Leaving drainage work unfinished while allowing sewage to flow onto the road compounds the difficulties faced by commuters and pedestrians. It also undermines the benefits that road development projects are expected to deliver to residential neighbourhoods.
Residents have called for the drainage problem to be addressed alongside the repair of the road, arguing that resurfacing alone would not resolve the locality’s wider infrastructure concerns.
Residents question civic development claims
Another resident, Arun, said the area had not witnessed proper road development for several years. He also drew attention to the inadequate drainage system and the continued flow of sewage onto the road.
Arun expressed concern that residents continued to face problems with essential civic amenities despite contributing substantial amounts in taxes to the municipal corporation.
Residents have questioned why a locality within the city corporation’s jurisdiction should continue to struggle with damaged roads, incomplete footpaths and inadequate drainage. They say basic infrastructure should be maintained consistently, irrespective of the area’s profile or its contribution to municipal revenue.
The condition of the Shivabhag road has also prompted residents to question the gap between Mangaluru’s urban development ambitions and the facilities available on the ground.
While the Smart City concept is associated with improved infrastructure, mobility and quality of life, residents say their immediate concerns remain basic: a safe road, functional drainage and footpaths that pedestrians can use without difficulty.
MCC urged to take immediate action
Residents have urged the Mangaluru City Corporation and elected representatives to intervene and address the problems without further delay.
Their demands include repairing the pothole-ridden road, completing the pending underground drainage work, preventing sewage from flowing onto the street and ensuring that footpaths are constructed to safe and accessible levels.
They have also called for a coordinated approach to the work so that road repairs are not undermined by unfinished drainage or pedestrian infrastructure.
The threat of an election boycott highlights the growing frustration over the lack of progress, with residents warning that continued inaction could intensify public opposition.
For the people of Shivabhag, the issue goes beyond the appearance of a damaged road. It concerns road safety, public hygiene, pedestrian access and accountability in the delivery of municipal services.
Until the problems are addressed, the potholes, unfinished footpaths and sewage flowing onto the road are likely to remain a visible reminder of the gap between Mangaluru’s Smart City ambitions and the everyday civic needs of its residents.