Hyderabad: In a bold move to draw attention to the deplorable state of roads in Nagole’s Anand Nagar area, a frustrated commuter staged a sit-in protest inside a pothole for at least an hour on Thursday.
The woman, a resident of Himayatnagar and owner of a real estate consultancy firm in Nagole, sought to highlight the ongoing neglect of the road despite repeated complaints to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The unconventional protest gained widespread attention after a photo of the woman sitting in the muck went viral on social media platforms. Speaking to the media hours after her protest, the resident expressed her frustration with the lackadaisical attitude of the civic authorities towards addressing the longstanding issue. The neglected road, she emphasised, has been a hazard for motorists for over four years, leading to accidents and traffic congestions. The resident’s drastic action underscored the collective angst and frustration felt by motorists and residents dealing with substandard roads in Hyderabad. She stressed the urgency of repairing the road before the onset of the monsoon season to prevent further risks to public safety.
GHMC officials acknowledged the dire situation and revealed that a new road project had been sanctioned for the area at a cost of 4 crore. However, due to the election code, the commencement of construction works has been postponed until further notice. This delay has further exacerbated the concerns of residents and commuters who rely on the road for daily travel. The woman’s sit-in protest serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for civic authorities to prioritise infrastructure maintenance and address public grievances promptly. As the city grapples with ongoing infrastructure challenges, residents and authorities must collaborate to find sustainable solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
