Mysuru: Residents of Paduvarahalli and surrounding areas have urged the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to expedite ongoing underground drainage works and restore roads that have remained dug up for more than a month. The prolonged excavation and incomplete restoration have caused inconvenience to residents, disrupted traffic movement and raised concerns over public safety.
The roadworks were undertaken as part of a project to install underground drainage pipelines across several streets in the locality. However, residents allege that while trenches have been partially refilled, proper road restoration has not been carried out, leaving uneven surfaces, loose soil and hazardous stretches for commuters.
Residents complain of prolonged inconvenience
Locals say several roads in and around Paduvarahalli have remained in a half-completed condition for weeks after excavation works were carried out.
Lakshmi, a shopkeeper operating near Paduvarahalli Park on Maari Gudi Road, said the condition of the roads has become a major concern for residents and businesses alike.
She noted that the roads currently resemble neither a proper roadway nor an active worksite, with excavated stretches left unattended for extended periods.
Residents claim that the unfinished works have affected daily commuting and made it difficult for pedestrians and motorists to move safely through the area.
Uneven roads and open trenches pose risks
Several stretches reportedly contain uneven surfaces, loose soil and exposed sections that have increased the risk of accidents.
In some locations, portions of the drainage work remain incomplete, leaving open patches and trenches that hinder vehicle movement. Residents said navigating these roads has become particularly challenging for two-wheeler riders and elderly pedestrians.
Many households are reportedly forced to use temporary wooden planks to cross deep trenches and access their homes.
The poor condition of the roads has also created difficulties for emergency services, delivery vehicles and school transportation, residents said.
Dust and mud add to residents’ woes
The situation has been further aggravated by changing weather conditions.
During dry weather, passing vehicles raise large clouds of dust from the loose soil, affecting visibility and causing discomfort to nearby residents, shopkeepers and pedestrians. Many have complained about increased dust pollution and its impact on health.
Residents said the problem becomes even more severe during rainy days, when the loosely filled trenches turn muddy and slippery.
According to locals, water accumulation and unstable surfaces create dangerous conditions for commuters and increase the likelihood of falls and minor accidents.
Concerns for elderly and children
Several residents expressed concern about the safety of elderly citizens and school-going children who use the roads daily.
Sandhya, a resident of the area, said the muddy and uneven stretches become particularly hazardous during rainfall.
She noted that there have already been instances of people slipping and falling while attempting to cross the affected roads. Residents fear that delays in restoration could lead to more serious accidents if corrective action is not taken immediately.
Parents have also raised concerns about children travelling to schools and tuition centres through roads that remain partially excavated and difficult to navigate.
Call for immediate road restoration
Residents have emphasised that while they support infrastructure development projects, civic authorities must ensure that public convenience and safety are not compromised during execution.
Many have urged the Mysuru City Corporation to complete the underground drainage works without further delay and undertake proper road restoration once pipeline installation is finished.
Locals argue that merely refilling trenches is insufficient and that roads should be restored to their original condition to ensure safe and smooth movement of traffic.
The issue has once again highlighted the challenges faced by residents when civic infrastructure projects remain incomplete for extended periods. Residents are now hoping that the authorities will intervene promptly and restore normalcy in the affected neighbourhoods.