Udupi – A persistently overflowing manhole on the Kalsanka–Ambagilu Road near Silas School has turned into a serious hazard for daily commuters, especially two-wheeler riders and schoolchildren.
For several days, drainage water has been seeping onto the road, forming a slippery, foul-smelling surface. The situation has worsened with continuous traffic, causing the road to deteriorate severely and creating large potholes that trap water and splash pedestrians walking nearby.
To minimize the immediate danger, a barricade has been erected over the overflowing manhole. While this measure prevents direct vehicular contact with the hazard, it also narrows the roadway considerably, resulting in traffic jams during busy hours and forcing riders dangerously close to oncoming vehicles.
The stretch has become nearly impassable, especially for two-wheelers, which risk skidding on the slick surface. Night-time travel is particularly risky due to poor visibility. The daily passage of hundreds of students adds to the urgency, as the area poses both safety and health threats.
Commuters report being frequently drenched by dirty water splashing from potholes. The tar surface has eroded significantly, making driving both uncomfortable and dangerous. Despite the growing concern, the issue remains unaddressed.
Frustrated locals are appealing to municipal officials and elected representatives to step in without delay — calling for the blocked drainage line to be unclogged and the severely damaged road to be re-laid immediately to avoid further accidents and ensure public safety.