The daily two-hour commute for Debushree, a 20-year-old college student from Sevaganapalli village in Hosur of Krishnagiri district studying in Karnataka, is a nightmare due to poor road conditions for a three-kilometre stretch. A fatality was reported last year due to the poor road conditions in the district. Traveling to college every day over the years, she has witnessed the road deteriorating – from minor potholes to larger ones, barely allowing people to walk. The residents of Sevaganapalli and Chichuruganapalli in the district have been facing immense inconvenience for the past several years. The three-kilometre stretch, which has agricultural fields and a creek on either side, has been posing a threat to the villagers and commuters.
Speaking to TNM, Debushree says, “Every day, travelling to my college is nothing short of a nightmare. The potholes are so huge that I'm frightened that the bus will topple. There are several school and college students and working women who go by bus daily from Sevaganapalli and Chichuruganapalli. There are several buses plying on the route, however, the condition of the road is dreadful, it's like waiting for a fatal accident to happen any day.”
Despite several complaints and petitions to the Collector and officials, the villagers allege that no action has been taken till date.
K Elangovan, a Krishnagiri-based activist and resident of Sevaganapalli village, said that the 3-km road has never been in a good condition even for three to six months after being laid by the district administration.
“The road, which was meant for light vehicles, is currently being used by heavy trucks as the main passageway between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to avoid check posts and tolls. As a result, this road is in shambles,” Elangovan says.
Speaking to TNM, Sevaganapalli panchayat president KS Venkatesh says, “After sorting out encroachment issues with a few residents there, a survey is being held to re-lay the roads. The work for the same will begin this week.”