Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 11: The people of Gundibail have expressed their displeasure over the incomplete and unscientific execution of the underground drainage work here.
The most awaited Varahi drinking water project for the city is nearing competition. New drinking water pipelines have been being installed all over the city. On the other hand, the long pending issue of the Gundibail and Adkadakatte residents regarding the underground drainage system was also being addressed by the local municipality. However, the very process of redressal of their grievance has created more problems for the people.
The road connecting Kalsanka with Ambagilu was dug up around a month ago for the drainage work. It was supposed to solve the improper drainage system issue of the area. The low lying areas used to face severe inflow of drainage water. The Udupi City Municipal Council took up the UGD work after repeated requests from the localities.
While the UGD work is still in progress, the Varahi drinking water project engineers have begun to dig up the road again for laying the water pipelines. This has created made the situation even worse for the people.
The vehicular movement has been diverted and only one side of the road is allowed for traffic. This has become really risky for the pedestrians and vehicle riders as well. Everyday about three to four accidents occur on this stretch. As it is a very important road connecting Udupi with Ambagilu, two wheelers, cars, auto rickshaws, buses and even heavy trucks ply this road. The local shopkeepers are frustrated to see the amount of accidents happening here.
Satire targeting local representatives floods on social media
A social media message depicting the worsened situation of the Gundibail road is going viral. The message calls out to the local representatives including MLA, MP and CMC president not to travel by Gundibail - Adkadakatte - Nittur road as it would cause them serious lung diseases due to the dust herein. “You will end up into being frustrated after seeing the pace of work done by the contractors whom you have given the work order,” the message reads.
The local shopkeepers have been suffering huge losses due to this slow pace of work. They are bearing not only the financial losses serious health issues due to dust. Speaking with Daijiworld, Sudhakar Bangera, a local shop owner said, "This is a very important road connecting to Udupi city. If the outskirts of the city is in such a bad condition you can think of the situation in the central part of the city. Every day about five accidents take place here" he says.
Meghana, a local resident speaking about the plight of the local residents, said, "We have to bear all the dust all day long. Frequently we have to clean our houses. Pedestrians are also suffering as only one part of the road is open for vehicular movement. Traffic is hit hard due to the slow paced work here," she said.
Speaking with Daijiworld, Geetha Shet, Councilor, Kadiyali ward said, "I am following up the issue closely. I have already given the responsibility to two persons to sprinkle water twice a day. As the two men from the Varahi drinking water project working on site had suffered injuries, the work is going on at a slow pace. I request the people to have some patience. All the issues will be sorted out soon."