More than 10,000 potholes in the city are said to be lying unattended. Yet, less than 20,000 people have yet signed an online petition against potholes.
The petition was initiated by Sunish Jauhari, an employee of Ashoka (an international NGO) who has set up Corps (Concern for Road and Pedestrian Safety). Convinced that it was time for Bangalore’s roads to change, Jauhari started a petition on Change.org, requesting the Bangalore mayor and the BBMP commissioner to take immediate action to turn Bangalore into a pothole-free city.
The petition demands that the 14 major roads of the city be repaired first, followed by minor roads; a promise to look at the situation subjectively and not push the dead-line any further; and that a citizens-monitoring society be created.
According to activist Ashwin Mahesh, who formulated the major roads strategy for Bangalore, these roads would typically include, for example, the main radial arterials, ring roads, and other roads that, for various reasons cater to large traffic volumes.
“I am a slipped-disk survivor and i know the trauma people go through. Potholes and road humps are major reasons for a number of injuries,” said Jauhari.
He has been working with orthopaedic surgeons and behavioral scientist for two years now. A discussion with them has led to an understanding that it is a combination of factors like bad infrastructure, rash driving/riding and poor maintenance of roads.
As of now, 17,630 Bangaloreans have signed the petition. But Sunish aims to get at least 20,000 Bangalorean’s to sign it before the end of this month. Minal R, a student of CMS-JU, who has also signed the petition said: “I ride regularly and come across so many potholes. These endanger public safety and well-being.”
The petition is expected to be submitted to the BBMP commissioner and the mayor next month.
“I think it will definitely work. Once it is spoken about and publicised, people will know what is happening and join the movement. At least someone is trying to bring about a change, so instead of not even giving it a try, we should all join him,” said Pooja Malhotra.
No show
Why hasn’t the petition attracted a greater number of people?
“A lot of petitions have been filed so far and it has made no difference. The government should not wait for a petition to be filed before doing something, it is their duty and hence they should do it promptly,” said Mrinalini Vyas, a media student.
“Bangalore has a population of 96 lakh and a mere 20,000 signatures and a petition will not change anything.” says, Minal.
“There won’t be any change. People might talk about it for a day and maybe the media will cover it, but later on everyone will forget it and move on with their lives,” said Chaitra Kadam, a student at BIT VV Puram.
Have you signed yet?
If not, visit chn.ge/19YxpwN and join the campaign for better roads.
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