COIMBATORE: Villagers from Annur Panchayat Union in Coimbatore boycotted the grama sabha meeting organised on Republic Day and hoisted black flags at their houses, demanding restoration of battered roads in their locality.
The people from Periyaputhur village alleged that the roads dug up for the Athikadavu-Avinashi water supply project were not restored even after five years. The road stretching from Vadavalli to Periyaputhur and from Periyaputhur to Sengalipalayam has been in a severely damaged condition with deep potholes and uneven surfaces.
Due to the poor condition of roads, the farmers were unable to transport their agricultural produce to markets on time, causing financial losses. As no action was taken despite raising the issue multiple times, the villagers, led by former panchayat president Ganesan, boycotted the gram sabha meeting and also staged a demonstration by holding black flags to express their dissent.
On receiving information, the Karamadai police and Annur Block Development Officer Uma Maheswari rushed to the venue and held discussions with villagers, who condemned the panchayat for failing to relay the road even several years after completion of the project.
As they continued with the protest, officials decided to cancel the gram sabha meeting and dismantle the ‘pandal’. The protesters then dispersed from the area, warning to intensify their protest if immediate steps were not taken to restore the damaged roads.