Villagers protest on pothole-ridden road by planting paddy

Andhra Pradesh: In a unique and symbolic protest, villagers and motorists planted paddy in the pothole-filled Yemmiganur–Kosigi main road on Saturday, demanding urgent repairs. CPI (ML) New Democracy district leader M Satyanna blamed R&B officials for their negligence and called for immediate construction of a new road to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

Symbolic protest reflects frustration

At Pedda Golla Doddi in Yemmiganur town, angry villagers and commuters expressed their frustration over the deteriorating condition of the Yemmiganur–Kosigi road by planting paddy in the deep potholes. The symbolic protest served as a strong message to authorities about the severity of the road damage. “This is not a road anymore; it is a hazard. People are fed up,” said one of the protestors.

District leader M Satyanna of CPI (ML) New Democracy highlighted that the damaged road leads to the significant pilgrimage site of Urukunda Kshetram. With the Shravan month approaching, increased traffic is expected, making the road’s current condition a serious safety risk. “If immediate action is not taken, accidents are bound to happen. R&B officials must act now,” he warned.

Severe daily hardship for motorists

Commuters from villages like Kammaladinne, Murivini, and Kosigi face daily challenges due to the broken road. Motorists report delays, damage to vehicles, and physical strain, especially during the rainy season. “What should take 20 minutes takes more than an hour. The road is full of craters,” one motorist complained.

Risks to emergency services and pregnant women

Satyanna underlined the dangers the bad road poses in emergencies, particularly for pregnant women needing urgent care. He cited instances where it took nearly two hours for an ambulance to transport patients due to the poor road condition. “Public representatives and officials must ask themselves what kind of road delays a 108 ambulance by two hours. This is a matter of life and death,” he said.

Demand for immediate road construction

The CPI (ML) New Democracy and AIKMS leaders demanded that high-ranking officials and political leaders take immediate steps to construct a new road. Protestors accused the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department of failing to act despite repeated appeals. “Officials must stop turning a blind eye. This is not just negligence, it is endangering lives,” said AIKMS leader Anjaneyulu.

The protest saw active participation from CPI (ML) New Democracy leaders Balaraju and Babu, AIKMS leaders, Prasad, Narasanna, Ramanjee, Buddanna, as well as local villagers and daily commuters, all united in their call for safe roads and accountable governance.