The Hindu
MANGALORE, Oct 24: Thimmayya of Mangalore Furniture on K.S. Rao Road, a coolheaded businessman, became furious with the mention of the condition of road opposite his shop when he said, “The corporation workers occasionally come and dump some mud and stone powder in potholes and leave us to die here”.
He, and another businessman on the road P.R. Sadanand, asked identical question: “Does the corporation know anything other than dumping mud in potholes?” They complained of dust allergy. Mr. Thimmaiah said he has been having bouts of fever, cold and cough. He is also having a tough time maintaining the furniture clean as they are covered by a layer of dust, frequently.
Mr. Thimmayya says, everyone living along this road, the lifeline of Mangalore that connects P.V.S. Circle and Hampanakatta Circle, have had to go to doctors for dust-related health problems. The road, named after freedom fighter of the region Karnad Sadashiva Rao, is a hub of activity and is frequented by people from within the city and outside.
Being at the heart of the city, people going from south to the north and vice versa, have to invariably pass through this road.
A film of dust and partly-filled potholes on the road greet the visitors.
Related problems
Autorickshaw driver K. Prakash says, the potholes have meant difficulty in driving and financial losses for him. “All I earn goes to mechanics.” He had to change the pin-bearing in his vehicle a few times, spending Rs. 500 every time. Silencer nuts becoming loose has been common. “You never know which part needs to be replaced when…” he says.
Pedestrians’ woes
Mr. Sadanand says a little rain can spoil an evening for those who come for shopping at Hampanakatta Circle. The road would be filled with dirt rendering it difficult to walk across without getting one’s dress dirty.
Pedestrians have to be constantly on guard against the splash of muddy water as vehicles keep negotiating the potholes.
Mr. Thimmayya wonders why the officials who pass by this road cannot intervene quickly.