Bengaluru, Karnataka: In a recent incident from a village under Bengaluru East Taluk, a poorly executed road reconstruction project came under scrutiny after a journalist’s intervention triggered swift action from local authorities.
Residents were surprised when road work that had commenced with much anticipation turned out to be of questionable quality. The layer of asphalt laid was reportedly just about an inch thick, raising serious concerns about durability and contractor negligence. While many residents expressed disappointment, it was journalist Satish Raj Goravigere who took the matter further.
Upon witnessing the poor construction firsthand, Satish Raj Goravigere documented the situation, captured images, and published an article raising the issue. The news was quickly shared across social media platforms, tagging key decision-makers including the area’s MLA, Deputy Chief Minister, and the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The impact was swift. Within hours, the post began gaining traction among netizens and caught the attention of local authorities. The ongoing work was halted, and a warning was issued to the contractor responsible for the substandard work. Just two days later, road construction resumed—this time with improved quality and proper oversight.
This incident reflects how ground-level journalism, paired with the power of digital reach, can bring meaningful change. The story was originally featured in Kannada News Today – a Digital media outlet with a strong reader base across Karnataka. Since its founding in March 2019, the platform has covered numerous such grassroots issues, building credibility among local communities.
Interestingly, Kannada News Today was also recently recognized with a Regional Journalism Award, a testament to its commitment to “People First Journalism” a philosophy that centers on citizen welfare over commercial narratives.
This episode highlights not only the importance of accountable public works but also the vital role of regional journalism and social media activism in ensuring transparency at the local governance level.