Belgaum: Residents of Nehru Nagar have expressed strong anger over the continuous movement of heavy vehicles on the D-Mart road, claiming the stretch has now turned into a “mines road” due to excessive truck traffic, damaged roads and worsening civic problems.
According to locals, more than 50 to 60 trucks carrying jelly, stones, sand, bricks and mud pass through the D-Mart junction daily from 8 am onwards. In addition, trucks heading towards the APMC market use the same road from as early as 4 am until late evening. Water tankers also continue to move through the area late into the night and early morning hours.
Residents say the constant heavy traffic has created severe congestion and serious safety concerns. The road is frequently used by school and college students, children and senior citizens, increasing the risk of accidents.
The situation has become more critical as major hospitals, including a cardiac specialty hospital and KLE Hospital, are located on the same route. Ambulances carrying emergency patients reportedly struggle to move through traffic jams caused by heavy vehicles. Doctors rushing for emergency surgeries are also facing delays due to congestion.
Locals further alleged that the continuous pressure from heavy trucks has damaged underground drainage and drinking water pipelines. Cracks have reportedly developed in drainage lines connected to nearby houses, while sewage water from a damaged drain has been flowing near a local temple area for nearly a year.
Residents said they have repeatedly submitted complaints and memorandums to the City Corporation, but no concrete action has been taken so far. They accused authorities of limiting their response to assurances without solving the actual problem.
Citizens have now demanded immediate restrictions on heavy vehicle movement in the area, proper road repairs and urgent action to resolve the drainage issue.
