Koppal
The women’s union and villagers of Kavalur in the district staged a protest to highlight the poor condition of roads connecting the village to various destinations.
Following the initiative of the Kalpavruksha Sanjeevini Gram Panchayat Level Mahila Okkuta, a protest was launched. Women and villagers marched from the Panchalingeshwar temple to the new bus stand, where they gathered in solidarity.
Gangamma, the President of the Union, declared, the Kavalur bandh is being held to express our discontent over the lack of repairs to the roads linking the village to various routes for several years.
Shobha, the Union’s Secretary, stated that despite several complaints to officials and elected representatives about the deteriorating roads in and around the village, no action had been taken. Renuka, a student, highlighted the issue, explaining that hundreds of students from the village commute daily to schools and colleges in nearby towns. The cancellation of buses on several routes due to poor road conditions has disrupted their education.
Local leader Pradeep Gouda expressed his frustration, noting that MLAs and other representatives, although aware of the situation, have done nothing to repair the roads. He stressed that traveling to hospitals for medical treatment had become a nightmare, with several accidents occurring due to the damaged roads.
The villagers demanded that officials and elected representatives visit the protest site to address their concerns. They warned that the protest would escalate if their demands were not met.
In response, Public Works Department Chief Engineer Venkatesh arrived and assured the protesters that all potholes would be immediately filled to ease traffic. He also informed them that a request for grants had been made to the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Corporation, and proper road construction would begin soon.
