Madikeri Villagers Protest Poor Road Quality, Demand Immediate Action
In a significant display of community resistance, the villagers of Cheyyandane in Madikeri taluk have brought road asphalting work to a complete standstill. The protest stems from deep-seated concerns over the substandard quality of the ongoing construction, prompting residents to demand the immediate presence of Public Works Department (PWD) officials. The villagers have issued a stern warning, threatening to escalate their protests if the road is not constructed strictly in accordance with the established tender norms and specifications.
Background of the Rs 42 Lakh Infrastructure Project
The state government sanctioned a substantial sum of Rs 42 lakh for critical infrastructure development on the Kadanga-Cheyyandane stretch of National Highway-90. This ambitious project, which was officially sanctioned in December of last year, encompasses the comprehensive reconstruction of the Kadanga Bridge alongside the implementation of a robust and scientifically designed drainage system. The tender for this vital work was floated, and construction activities commenced only recently. However, the villagers' dissatisfaction with the perceived poor quality of the initial work led them to take decisive action by halting all ongoing operations at the site.
Villagers Voice Grave Safety and Design Concerns
Village leader P Danoj Kumar articulated the community's primary grievances, emphasizing that the project appears to be poorly designed, a flaw that could potentially lead to serious accidents in the future. He passionately advocated for the development of the road on a scientific basis to ensure long-term safety and durability. Echoing these sentiments, several other villagers presented a clear set of demands. They insisted that the construction of a proper bridge and the installation of adequate drainage systems must be completed as foundational steps before any asphalting work should proceed. This, they argue, is essential for the structural integrity and functionality of the entire project.
PWD Engineer's Response and Ongoing Tensions
In response to the escalating situation, PWD Executive Engineer Girish visited the protest site to assess the concerns firsthand. He stated that the work is being carried out precisely as per the tender specifications. "We are asphalting the 4.7-kilometer road from Kadanga to Cheyyandane on the Hunsur Talakcauvery state highway," Girish explained. "A culvert is being installed in the middle of the road to prevent rainwater stagnation and ensure smooth water flow. The contractors have been explicitly instructed to first address and close all existing potholes before proceeding with the asphalting process." While Girish assured that quality work will be undertaken, his assurances did little to placate the agitated villagers.
Demand for Political Intervention and Quality Assurance
Remaining unconvinced by the engineer's statements, the villagers have now called for the direct intervention of Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. They have urgently requested him to personally inspect the construction site to verify the quality of work and ensure that all project components are executed to the highest standards. The community's resolve underscores a broader issue of accountability and transparency in public infrastructure projects, highlighting the critical need for stakeholder engagement and rigorous quality checks to prevent future disputes and ensure the delivery of safe, reliable roads for the residents of Madikeri.
