Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala

Karkala, Jun 30: Residents and motorists staged a unique protest by planting a banana sapling in a large pothole near the autorickshaw stand opposite the Karkala bus stand on Monday, June 29, expressing their anger over the alleged negligence of the authorities.

According to locals, the road had been dug up a few days ago for pipeline installation work. However, after the work was completed, the trench was not properly restored, leaving behind a large pothole. With the onset of the monsoon, the damaged stretch has deteriorated further, turning into a hazardous crater.

Rainwater accumulating in the pothole has made it difficult for motorists to judge its depth, resulting in frequent mishaps and posing a serious risk to commuters.

The road is one of the busiest stretches in Karkala, witnessing the movement of thousands of pedestrians, school and college students, and hundreds of vehicles every day. The pothole is located directly opposite the autorickshaw stand, forcing autorickshaw drivers and two-wheeler riders to navigate the area under constant fear of accidents.

To draw the attention of the authorities and highlight the danger to public safety, local residents planted a banana sapling inside the pothole as a symbolic protest against the civic body's inaction.

Autorickshaw drivers and residents urged the municipal authorities to immediately repair the damaged road before the situation worsens during the monsoon. They warned that if prompt action is not taken, they will be compelled to launch a stronger protest in the coming days.