Gravel-strewn roads claim 122 lives in three years 

Mysuru: Unregulated dumping of construction materials on city roads continues to cause fatal and non-fatal accidents, even as authorities appear to look the other way.  Data available with the Traffic Police reveals that loose gravel, sand and other construction debris left on roads have contributed to 212 accidents over the past three years, claiming 122 lives and leaving 111 riders grievously injured and 164 sustaining minor injuries. 

With the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and various Government agencies undertaking road and civic works across the city, freshly laid roads are frequently dug up for repairs, utility works and patchwork.  

Gravel, M-Sand dumped 

Gravel, M-Sand and other materials are often dumped on roadsides for these works. However, once the work is completed, leftover construction material is frequently abandoned on the road, posing a serious threat to motorists. 

In many places, trenches are loosely covered with concrete and gravel, while loose stones spill onto the carriageway, making the surface slippery. Unaware of the hazard, two-wheeler riders often lose control after skidding on the gravel and sand, resulting in injuries and, in several cases, fatalities. 

Such hazardous stretches can be seen near JC Wadiyar Circle (Hardinge Circle), Moulana Abul Kalam Azad Circle (Highway Circle), Jodi Tenginamara Road, Sahukar Chennaiah Road in T.K. Layout, Yadavagiri, Ta.Ra.Su Circle near Akashvani Mysuru, Ambarish Road in Hebbal, Vani Vilas Road near the Mysuru Law Courts Complex, KRS Road near Sri Jayadeva Hospital, Kumbarakoppal and several other localities. 

Adding to the problem are tractors and goods vehicles carrying sand, bricks and gravel. Though tractors are primarily meant for agricultural purposes, many are used to transport construction materials. Overloaded vehicles often spill sand and gravel onto roads, further endangering commuters. 

While negligence on the part of civic agencies and enforcement authorities is frequently blamed for the situation, road users too must exercise caution.  

In self-accident cases involving two-wheelers, compensation is often limited to riders covered under personal accident insurance. Third-party insurance generally does not provide compensation to the deceased rider’s family in such cases. 

Public must question authorities 

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP-Traffic) M. Shivashankar said that apart from the Police and the media, few agencies appear to be actively working towards public safety. 

“The Police have even stepped in to fill potholes and clear gravel from roads. Repeated representations to the concerned departments have yielded little response, forcing us to perform duties that are essentially civic in nature. It sometimes feels as though we belong to two different systems of governance. While we continue to enforce traffic rules against tippers and tractors, the public too must develop the habit of questioning the authorities,” he added. 

Who answers for deaths caused by loose gravel on roads? 

When contacted for his response, MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif appeared reluctant to comment. 

“I cannot answer every query, as we too are bound by time constraints. I have worked in other districts as well, but the number of calls I receive from Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra is much higher,” he said. 

However, the larger question remains unanswered: If a two-wheeler rider skids on loose gravel left scattered on the road and suffers serious or fatal injuries, who will be held accountable? Roads across the city have been dug up and left in unsafe condition in the name of development, often with little regard for monsoon season or public safety. Citizens have a right to know which agency is responsible for addressing these hazards and preventing avoidable accidents. It is incumbent upon the civic authorities and the MCC Commissioner to provide answers and ensure accountability.