Flyover delayed, people protest in selfie mode

MANGALURU: In a novel protest against the delay in completion of the flyover at Pumpwell Circle, residents and activists are posting selfies clicked in front of the structure on social media. Construction of the flyover on NH66 began in 2010.
Tagged #Selfiewith_PumpwellFlyover, the photos draw attention to the skipped deadlines and the anger among the residents. "My selfie near the world-famous monument in Mangaluru, which is under construction. Those who come for Dasara, please visit this place," social activist MG Hegde wrote on Facebook after posting his selfie in front of the incomplete flyover. Like others'posts, Hegde's note evoked a response from netizens. Facebook user Premachandra Shetty wrote in response: "This is actually not a flyover, sir. It is an extensive research on iron rods, sand and cement by four people. A central government sponsored research."

Posting a selfie, DYFI district president BK Imthiyaz wrote: "It is nearly nine years since work began, but they have not been able to complete even 30% of the work so far. People are upset witnessing regular traffic jams and a series of accidents due to the delay in the construction of the flyover at Pumpwell Circle. This selfie campaign has been started only to make our protest intense. It is also an effort to form public opinion on the issue. Let people who visit Mangaluru for Dasara join the campaign by taking a selfie." Netizen Ameer Hamza said it was sheer lack of will on the part of people's representatives that had led to the delay. Additional deputy commissioner Kumar told TOI that the district administration will hold a review meeting with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials soon. "We will hold a meeting on the construction of flyover at Pumpwell with NHAI officials within 20 days," he said.