Unscientific digging for gas pipeline project leaves motorists with bad roads

Haveri: The installation of gas pipelines in Haveri city has resulted in significant disruptions and challenges for commuters navigating the affected areas over the past two months, particularly on the old National Highway-48 within city limits. The ongoing digging work has left the roads in bad shape, resulting in heavy vehicles getting stuck and creating substantial hurdles for commuters.
The digging has transformed the streets into muddy, slushy stretches, posing danger, particularly for two-wheeler riders.Residents and commuters are frustrated by the inconvenience and eagerly await the completion of the project and the roads restoration of normal road conditions. Pavan Bahaddur Desai, a local businessman, expressed his disappointment over the delayed and unscientific digging of main roads in Haveri, stating, “We are not opposing gas connection through pipelines, but the work should not harm the residents.”
Social activist Abdul Hubballi shared his concerns, saying: “The digging work has left the roads in a terrible state, leading to heavy vehicles getting trapped in the dug-up areas. Vehicle owners and drivers are grappling with the arduous task of extricating their vehicles from these treacherous spots. Recently, a cement-loaded truck was stuck 5 feet deep on the old NH-48 opposite Haveri District Court where digging was going on for the gas pipeline. This impacted traffic on this road, and they had to remove the vehicle through the crane.”
He further highlighted the struggles faced by schoolchildren in reaching their schools on time due to unscientific digging and lack of timely repair work.
Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, the deputy commissioner of Haveri, said: “I noticed the problem and will direct the officials concerned to initiate action.”
Sources revealed that the gas pipeline installation work, undertaken by the Chennai-based AGP Pratham City Gas Private Limited company, started two years ago intending to provide gas connections to 15,000 households. However, the digging of roads has severely impacted the city in the last two months. The project, initially scheduled for completion by March 2024, has now been extended to Sept 2024 due to delays, leaving residents unsure of its timely conclusion.