Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Apr 13: The residents of Pandeshwar cross road, especially senior citizens and children expressed their gratitude and happiness for the new crossbar fixed by the police department in the area.

Earlier in 2002, they had requested the district collector to put a crossbar on Pandeshwar cross road. Later as per collector’s order the crossbar was fixed by authorities. Meanwhile, lorries started to ply on this road and broke the crossbar by hitting it. Once the crossbar was broken, all heavy vehicles, especially cement carrying lorries started to run on this road without any hurdle.

Due to lorry menace, many elderly citizens and children began falling sick. The noise and dust pollution made their life miserable. The fallen cement from lorries blocked the drainage. Though a barricade was put up, lorry drivers would simply push the barricade away to the side and continue to ply.

Two weeks back, under the leadership of 83-year-old social worker Michael Fernandes, some residents met the police officials and described their problems from heavy trucks which commute on this road. ACP Thilakchandra listened to their problem with patience and assured all help from the department.

Taking the case on priority, police department fixed a new cross bar on Pandeshwar cross road within a week.

Speaking to daijiworld about it, social activist Michael Fernandes said, "A big thanks to ACP Thilakchandra for his tireless efforts in mitigating the hardships of the old and sick residents of Pandeshwar cross road. He fulfilled our request and now we can lead a healthy and peaceful life. A big salute to police department!

"We are happy not only for the crossbar instalment but also for the attitude of police towards the people. The politeness of senior police officers like ACP Thilakchandra and concern towards senior citizens made us feel that he is our family member. We wish him all success in his career and blessings of God," said another resident of Pandeshwar cross road.

Another resident, thanking the police, said, "I am indeed proud that the police have taken up the issue and taken action. My dad's health was deteriorating (because of the pollution), and now he is happy that the lorry menace has come to an end...Kudos to the entire department for taking this step and getting us through this problem."

When daijiworld contacted ACP Thilakchandra, he replied with humility, "It is part of our duty."