Karnataka: Asha worker fills potholes to save lives

MANGALURU: With the intention of saving lives, an ASHA worker along with her parents has been filling potholes on Uppinangady- Subrahmanya road in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district.
She was spotted filling potholes early during the week, at Periyadka Kindovu in Uppinangady, about 60 km from here.

Ananthavathi K,48, said, “This is not the first time that we decided to fill potholes. Our house is located near the road, and every time I hear the noise of vehicles applying brakes suddenly, we rush out to see if an accident has taken place."
"Every monsoon, it’s the same story, potholes are caused, making riding on this stretch scary. Last year, a person died in an accident, and this year too, several two-wheeler riders have met with accidents on the stretch. Also, in an attempt to avoid potholes, motorists tend to swerve in a different direction suddenly, which can cause accidents,” she said.
Ananthavathi has been an Asha worker for the last two years, prior to which she worked for a Shishu Mandir and a primary school.
“I think we can’t blame the government always, or can’t wait for them to act quickly. I am only filling potholes on less than half a-kilometre stretch, which is right in front of my house. There is more traffic here because the road leads to the famous Kukke Subrahmanya temple. My father Keshava Gowda,76, and mother Sesamma,65, have helped in collecting mud and filling potholes. This will provide some relief to travellers,” she added.
She filled potholes with the help of her mother on Monday, and since the video of her filling potholes went viral, she was hesitant to continue the work the next day.
On Wednesday, she was back at the spot.
She has been informed that the local administration has taken note of her work and assured her to take up the temporary filling of potholes.