Shivamogga faces severe civic neglect with pothole-ridden roads, irregular water supply, and malfunctioning streetlights, says former MLA K.B. Prasannakumar
Shivamogga
The city is witnessing a severe stagnation in development, with roads riddled with potholes and round-the-clock water supply failing to meet basic needs. Former MLA and JDS State Vice President K.B. Prasannakumar has accused the district administration and municipal authorities of failing entirely in providing essential civic infrastructure.
Speaking at a press conference, he pointed out that while district ministers recently inaugurated projects worth ₹700 crore in Soraba, Shivamogga city faces critical issues that remain unaddressed. According to him, officials at the DC office, AC office, and municipal staff are prioritizing personal matters over public service, delaying file processing and neglecting citizen grievances.
Prasannakumar also criticized District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa, son of former Chief Minister Bangarappa, for ignoring major urban concerns. On Airport Road, streetlights remain non-functional at night, and numerous neighborhoods and main roads are similarly affected. Despite promises of 24/7 water supply, residents now receive water for barely an hour daily. Potholes caused by city authorities remain unrepaired, and roads meant for development have deteriorated further. Citizens’ contributions could have funded proper road surfacing, yet no work has been undertaken over the past two-and-a-half years.
The situation with underground drainage (UGD) and box drains is also critical. Law and order has deteriorated, with rising instances of rowdiness, drug use, and general lawlessness. Traffic police focus excessively on issuing fines to ordinary citizens while failing to apprehend actual offenders.
Prasannakumar urged ministers and the Chief Minister to intervene immediately, allocate necessary funds, and restore the city’s infrastructure. JDS leaders, including Deepak Singh, H.M. Sangayya, Shyam, Gandhadamane Narasimha, Bommanakatte Manjunath, Ramesh Nayak, and Vijaykumar, were present at the event.