Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 21: Frustrated by the poor road conditions, some unknown individuals from the locality have planted banana saplings in the middle of the state highway as a form of protest against the dilapidated state of the road.

The incident occurred on the Katapady–Shirva state highway, which has been in disrepair for months. The road is riddled with potholes, causing daily distress for motorists. Despite repeated complaints, the situation has remained unchanged, prompting residents to take matters into their own hands.

The stretch of road connecting Katapady, Kurkalu, and Shankarpura to Shirva has been deteriorating for several months, leading to increasing frustration among commuters. This road is essential for daily travel, and its worsening condition has become a daily ordeal. Despite media reports highlighting the issue, no meaningful action has been taken by the authorities.

Residents have expressed anger at the indifference of officials, accusing them of ignoring the problem. The public has repeatedly urged authorities to fill the potholes and repair the road, but no action has been taken. The local administration and the Public Works Department (PWD) have faced accusations of negligence, with complaints that they are unresponsive to the growing safety concerns.

This morning, in a unique form of protest, frustrated locals planted banana saplings in the potholes, symbolizing the state of neglect the road has been left in. The gesture was meant to draw attention to the urgent need for repairs and to express the public’s frustration. The protest follows the widespread attention garnered by a viral song highlighting the poor condition of the road.

Residents are now calling on local representatives, including Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly, to take immediate action. They demand that repairs be made without further delay, before the situation worsens. The public’s message is clear: fix the road before more symbolic protests, like planting banana trees, become a common sight.

With the road serving as a crucial connection for many villages, educational, and social institutions, commuters hope that the authorities will finally respond to their concerns and ensure the safety and comfort of those who travel on it.