Man protests pothole mishap with bizarre demonstration

KANPUR: A bizarre protest in the city by a man gained widespread attention when he was seen lying in a water-filled pothole on the road with a bed and pillow, raising slogans. The protest video went viral on social media.

A schoolgirl was injured after falling into a water-filled pothole in the Barra-8 area of the city. Her father protested by lying in the water with bedding, chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai', highlighting the authorities' neglect of the road despite several complaints.

Following his daughter's bicycle accident on the damaged road between Ramgopal Chauraha and Jarauli, he lay in the muddy water with bedding. The video also shows a school bus passing by, with children inside joining in the slogans. His unusual protest against the government inaction gained traction when the video went viral on Sunday.

Sheelu Dubey, a trader and resident of I Block Barra-8, emphasised the poor condition of the road connecting Ramgopal Chauraha to Anand South City in Jarauli.



His daughter Ananya, a class 4 student, was injured when her bicycle hit a pothole ten days ago. Locals supported the protest by planting rice saplings in the potholes. Dubey's social media appeals were ignored. He noted that the busy road, used by thousands of vehicles and leading to a local representative's school, poses a danger to commuters. He said, "Every day, someone gets hurt falling in the mud. The administration seems to be waiting for a fatality."

The residents shared their experiences on this hazardous road, reporting various accidents and vehicle damage. The road's importance as a link to schools, markets, and homes makes its condition particularly concerning for frequent users.

Following the protest, the municipal corporation officials inspected the site and promised swift action. In haste, they filled the potholes with soil using a JCB.

Mayor Pramila Pandey said that officials would visit the site on Monday. For now, mud and gravel were spread on the road to prevent accidents. "Efforts will be made to start road construction after the rains," the mayor said.

However, social media users questioned whether filling the potholes with soil would solve the problem, suggesting it might worsen the situation. The situation has sparked broader discussions about infrastructure maintenance in the city's residential areas. Reports of similar issues from other areas have led to calls for a comprehensive road maintenance plan. Local politicians have raised this issue, requesting regular inspections and timely repairs.