NewsKarnataka-Mangalore

Pics By: Joshwa D’Souza

Mangalore:Residents of Nantur, Maroli, Bikarnakatta, Padavu, Shaktinagar, Kulshekhar and other surrounding areas began a symbolic hunger strike  on October 3, Thursday urging the authorities  to  set  right the problems arising due to the wrongly placed Nantur Circle. The hunger strike will be held upto 5.30 pm.

Prior to commencing the hunger strike, a procession was taken out from Bikarnakatte bus stop to Nantur  Circle. Even residents of Jayashree Gate, Kaikamba, Bajjodi took part in the protest.

Addressing the gathering present, one of the residents, Advocate Sumana Sharan  said,” Due to this wrongly designed and placed Nantur circle it is very difficult for we the residents to commute as well as the pedestrians  to walk and cross the roads. The circle design is itself wrong and we have mentioned about this to the authorities concerned, but all in vain. Our cries and pleas have fallen into deaf ears. But now it has crossed the limits, if this issue is not resolved at the earliest, we shall not hesitate to go on a violent protest.”

Another resident Vasanth Kumar Shetty said “ Locals are suffering from health problems due to the bad roads and dust. Even our vehicles are at stake as  every day some or the other damage is caused due to bad roads.”

 He further added, huge traffic jams are caused especially during the peak hours. This circle is so unscientifically designed that the engineer who has  created it should get a  national award for the blunder, he said in a tone of mockery. The gutters are above the road levels which cause the rain water flow on the roads. Even street lights are absent along the stretch from Nantur to Bikarnakatte. Despite appeals the authorities have failed to act, Shetty said. He further favoured construction of a fly over as a solution to the traffic woes of the area.
Mandd Sobhann President Eric Ozario also spoke. Residents Ramesh Kandettu, Ritesh, Azeez, Jayashree K, Dinesh Bangera and others were present at the protest.