Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
 
Mangalore, Nov 12: A protest was organized by the Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Association on Friday November 11 demanding immediate construction of a proper road from Jyothi to Bunts Hostel circle.

The protest was led by Ivan D’Souza, president of the association and Praveen Chandra Alva, vice-president, labourers' union and was backed by the local unit of Youth Congress.

However, the authority concerned had already taken the initiative a day ago and placed crushed stones at the spot. This was not noticed by the protestors.
 
Ivan D'Souza, addressing the people, lambasted the office-bearers of the city corporation for not taking any steps to repair the roads for the last two years. Due to potholes, rickshaw drivers have to spend half their earnings on maintaining their vehicles, he said, adding that such roads are a threat the commuters.

"Let this protest awaken the officers to start doing the road work," he said.
 
City Corporation enjoys undertaking drainage, streams, soil digging works as they bring more commission but the income in road construction is less, which is the main reason behind the delay in road repair works, he alleged.

During his speech, the road was completely blocked and traffic was disrupted for some time.
 
Vinod Gaonkar, circle inspector, with his team tried to stop and disperse the protestors from the middle of the road. They then continued the strike standing beside the road without affecting traffic.
 
Monthu Lobo, senior rickshaw driver and Praveen Chandra Alva also spoke, urging the city corporation to start the work soon. Merril Rego, Chetan, Girish, members of Youth Congress were part of the protest. They threatened to intensify the protest if no action is taken in three days.