On a recent Saturday, the communities of Varthur and Gunjur united in a peaceful protest, demanding immediate action to fix their dangerously neglected roads. The Varthur–Gunjur stretch, in particular, has become a perilous route due to chronic poor maintenance, pushing residents to their breaking point.
The demonstration took place outside Prestige Lakeside Habitat, drawing a diverse crowd of residents—including young children and elderly citizens—all holding signs demanding safer passage. They highlighted a history of accidents and a recent alarming incident where a school bus almost overturned, underscoring the severity of the local civic disarray. Their collective voice called for comprehensive solutions: immediate road resurfacing, proper traffic signals, safe turning points, and substantial, long-term infrastructure improvements.
Even though the protestors maintained order and did not disrupt traffic flow, police intervened, preventing a large gathering. The frustrated citizens expressed that they were merely advocating for their fundamental right to safe public roads. Police, however, insisted that protests could only be held at Freedom Park, a designated venue.
This isn’t the first time residents have raised their voices. They explained that numerous protests have been held over the years, all driven by the same pressing issues: hazardous potholes and severe traffic bottlenecks. These problems stem from infrastructure development that has simply not kept pace with the area’s explosive residential expansion.
Pavitra Holla, one of the concerned residents, recounted a terrifying incident where a school bus nearly flipped over because of the deplorable road conditions. She also highlighted the unsettling sight of overflowing sewage and the practical impossibility for senior citizens to walk safely in the vicinity due to the hazardous state of the pathways.
According to Holla, residents have been consistently assured that these critical issues would be addressed and roads would be made pothole-free. She firmly stated that while some attempt to politicize their demonstration, it is, in fact, an entirely non-political movement focused purely on basic civic necessities.