Thejaswi U Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, May 24: Deep ditches dug for laying the streetlight poles on NH 169A from Kadiyali till MGM College are posing risk for the commuters and pedestrians. These ditches were dug three months ago for the purpose of installation of streetlight poles, but the work is still pending.

The incomplete work is making it difficult for the public to travel. Pedestrians are finding it difficult to cross the road. As there is no proper illumination, pedestrians in the night may fall into the ditches and break their legs or hands. Lots of plastic waste is found in those ditches. Throwing waste here makes the national highway look like a dumping yard and also pollutes the environment around. In addition, it harms the health of the people. Sand dug out of the ditches, is put all along the divider and the pedestrians are hence walking on the road risking their lives. Public from the past one year are suffering due to lack of streetlights but now the delay of the work is adding to the problem.

During the rainy season, the ditch may fill with rain water. Two-wheeler riders too are in trouble due to the sand put on the road dug out of the ditches.

The owner of Shri Devi Sweets Stall, Anantha Padmanabha, said, “Already, many accidents have taken place in Kadiyali due to the absence of streetlights. Nobody hears our complaints. Three months ago, ditches were dug for streetlights. When election was announced, we thought the work would be done faster, but nothing happened.”

The pending work must be completed before the rainy season begins to avoid more damages to life.

A city municipality source said that due to some financial issues, the work has been delayed. The source also said that the problem will be sorted out as soon as possible and the work will be completed within a few days.