BALLARI
A video showing Nagaraj Nayak, a member of the Hosalli gram panchayat, sitting in rainwater accumulated along a crucial highway has gone viral, drawing attention to the worsening road conditions. The roadway connecting Bhujangarh and Narsingapur villages near Hosalli serves as a vital link to the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), witnessing heavy traffic daily.
Despite numerous complaints, the road remains riddled with potholes causing waterlogging even after light rains. This has led to multiple accidents, particularly affecting motorcyclists who lose control on the slippery, flooded surface. Frustrated by the persistent neglect from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Zilla Panchayat (ZP), Nagaraj Nayak staged a silent protest by sitting in the stagnant water following recent rains.
Speaking on his protest, Nagaraj emphasized the road’s importance for hundreds of two-wheelers and light motor vehicles (LMVs) that struggle during monsoons, unlike heavy vehicles that can still pass through. “With the monsoon season here, traveling on this road is becoming increasingly dangerous,” he said. “I am protesting to urge officials to accelerate repairs and prevent accidents.”
While the authorities have yet to respond to the protest, the video has gained significant traction on social media, sparking widespread criticism of the officials’ apathy and demanding urgent action for road repairs.