Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Sep 15: Nityananda Olakadu, chief secretary of Udupi senior citizen's committee, protested in a unique way by rolling himself without a shirt on road at Tiger circle, Manipal junction On Friday, September 15.

He was protesting against poor construction of road which was washed out during the rains.

Olakadu had protested earlier by swimming in the dirty water collected in potholes near the bus stand. The department had filled the pits after two days of protests but it was futile exercise as the potholes appeared again after heavy rains. The condition of Manipal road has become worse because of negligence by National Highway Authority of India.

Nityananda, who is also a social worker, urged to repair the road immediately. “Commuters, pedestrians, students, taxi and auto drivers are struggling to move on this road. Dust from the road creates cloud causing poor visibility resulting in accidents,” he said.

“Manipal is a developed city and hub of education but the government has failed to respond to grievances of people. Though MLAs, MPs and national level leaders pass through this junction, none of them have taken action. It is better if the government wakes up from slumber immediately,” he added.

Muddy Moolya, president of Auto union, Manipal said that it is hard for vehicle drivers to use the road. “It is challenging to move avoiding potholes. The government should give immediate attention to fix the problems,” he said.

Rajesh, who acted like a body lying on the stretch, was carried throughout the road.

Sudhakar Poojary, Taranatha Mesta, Raghavendra Prabhu Karalo and others were present.