The absence of a dedicated space for demonstrations in Hubballi is pushing protesters onto the city's already congested roads, causing severe traffic snarls and disrupting the daily lives of residents. This persistent issue has turned public protests into a source of widespread inconvenience, overshadowing the legitimate grievances they aim to highlight.
From KC Circle to Chaotic Roads: The Search for a Venue
For years, KC Circle functioned as the unofficial hub for protests in Hubballi. However, demonstrators found it increasingly ineffective as authorities were not easily accessible there. The problem of finding a suitable location has been brewing for a long time. During the tenure of former commissioner Siddlingayya Hiremath, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) had attempted to formalize a protest zone near Mahatma Gandhi Park, with plans for basic amenities like shelter and drinking water. Unfortunately, this initiative stalled due to inaction from subsequent HDMC commissioners, leaving the city without a solution.
Recently, a multitude of organizations have taken to the streets, voicing concerns over drinking water shortages, terrible road conditions, potholes, social and political issues, and the implementation of the Mahadayi project. With no designated spot, these groups are forced to assemble on major thoroughfares, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.
Flyover Construction Compounds the Crisis
The ongoing flyover construction in the city has dramatically worsened the situation. Many key roads are now riddled with potholes and covered in dust, while traffic diversions have become a norm, leading to frequent bottlenecks. Holding protests in the middle of these already strained routes amplifies the chaos exponentially. This not only inconveniences the general public but also backfires on the protesters, whose causes are often met with public irritation instead of support, thereby diminishing their impact.
Social activist Gurunaath Ullikashi emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated protest zone. He stated that such a space would provide a structured environment for citizens to assemble and voice their concerns without crippling daily life. "It would also facilitate better communication between protesters and authorities, ensuring that grievances are heard and addressed in a timely manner," he added. Ullikashi urged the district administration to prioritize this to balance the fundamental right to protest with the community's need for minimal disruption.
Police Step In, Proposal in the Works
Recognizing the growing problem, the city police have now initiated steps to find a permanent fix. CR Raveesh, DCP (Crime and Traffic), confirmed that the police are actively considering the creation of an exclusive protest zone following recent demonstrations that caused major traffic jams.
"After looking at the recent protests and effects such as traffic jams and inconvenience to the public, we are thinking of taking up the matter to create an exclusive protest zone," DCP Raveesh said. He assured that the proposal will soon be discussed with the Deputy Commissioner, the HDMC commissioner, and other senior officials, with the aim of establishing a formal venue promptly. This move is seen as a critical step towards restoring order while upholding democratic expression in Hubballi.
