CPM flays MCC Commissioner for lack of footpaths

On lack of footpaths on Mangaluru roads, CPM Mangaluru city unit has said CPM will start a legal battle against MCC and file a complaint against MCC Commissioner, in failing to provide basic facilities to pedestrians.

Addressing a protest rally organised on Falnir Road (Mother Theresa Road) on Wednesday, CPM District Secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal said in the interest of public, a PIL will be filed in the court. 

The absence of footpaths at K S Rao Road, Falnir Road, Jyothi-Bunts Hostel Road has forced people to walk on the road.

“The well-laid out concrete roads have become pedestrian’s nightmare. Lack of footpaths along key stretches of concrete roads force the latter to walk on the road risking their life. Along with footpaths, there are no storm water drains. As a result, rain water flows on the road itself. When it rains, a mini pool is created in front of Jyothi bus stand, and there are chances of muddy water getting splashed on people especially students who wait for buses.”

Pedestrians in peril

“Without footpath, several vehicles have veered off the road and have fallen into gorge on Falnir Road. The road has been named after Mother Theresa, who was caring for those who were on streets. However, here there is no protection for those pedestrians who walk on the road.

“At the same time, the soil beneath the concrete road has started getting eroded. Hence, there is a possibility of the road getting collapsed on the stretch,” he said.

“Our elected representatives speak of ‘smart city’ tag for Mangaluru. Whether the city fulfills the criteria for smart city?” he asked.

The entire Mother Theresa Road stretch has four hospitals, one church, one mosque, schools, commercial complexes. As a result, the number of vehicles on the road is also more, he added.

CPM Leader Vasudeva Uchil said “people walking gingerly on the busy stretch braving the traffic itself elaborates the need for the authorities to provide footpaths. The fascination for concrete road ended with the laying of road without providing basic necessities.

“Without storm water drains beside the concrete roads rain water has entered several shops on K S Rao Road and Falnir Road. In some places there is no land available to lay footpath and edges of concrete roads are so deep that it forces the pedestrians to either jump off the road or face the approaching vehicles.

“Councillors in the Mangaluru City Corporation have not discussed the issue though many major roads were upgraded as concrete roads few years ago,” he added.