Bhatkal: Residents of Goodluck Road in Kargedde, falling under the Jali Patan Panchayat limits, have expressed strong discontent over the lack of basic infrastructure, including proper roads and a functional drainage system. Submitting a memorandum to the Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal, they warned that if immediate action is not taken, they will be forced to stage a protest in front of the Jali Panchayat office.
According to the memorandum, residents of Ward No. 6, particularly in Goodluck Road Fourth Cross, have been suffering for years due to the poor condition of roads and the absence of an effective drainage system. The road remains unpaved and damaged, making it difficult for two-wheelers to navigate, and frequent accidents are being reported. With the monsoon season approaching, residents fear that the road will turn into a muddy stretch, and rainwater will likely enter their homes due to clogged drains.
Residents alleged that despite multiple complaints, neither the Panchayat Chief Officer nor the local ward councillors have shown any seriousness in resolving these pressing issues. They stated that even when the drains are occasionally cleaned, the collected waste is left on the roadside and not properly disposed of, resulting in the same waste flowing back into the drains during rain, blocking the water flow.
The memorandum also highlights the difficulties faced by school-going children, as school vans refuse to enter the area due to the poor road condition. This forces children to walk long distances to reach the main road. Open and partially covered drains pose a serious threat to pedestrians, especially children and the elderly, with an increased risk of falling into them during nighttime. Additionally, the heaps of garbage along the roadside are raising serious health concerns among the residents.
Locals, including Meeran Rafiq, Amash Jubapu, and Mohammed Jubapu, urged the Assistant Commissioner to visit the area, assess the ground reality, and initiate urgent repair work of roads and drainage systems. They clearly stated that if the administration fails to respond, the residents will be left with no option but to stage a dharna in front of the Panchayat office.