POKHARA: Locals agitated with dust, smoke and puddles have obstructed vehicular movement along Dulegauda--Katre road section in Prithvi Highway for an hour on Sunday.

Agitating locals urged the concerned authority to address their demand for dock maintenance along the stretch this afternoon.

One of the locals Shanti Shapkota of Haledi in Suklagandaki-2 said, "Despite our repeated calls to the concerned department about the issue, we were compelled to resort to protest today."

"Although the dock was repaired three times in dismal quality, but the concerned authority turned a blind eye towards it. We are agitated with dust during dry and puddles all along the stretch during monsoon," Sapkota lamented.

It is almost impossible to live near the highway and even children are facing difficulty going to schools, Sapkota shared.

We resorted to this protest to grab the attention of the concerned authority as the dust and smoke are causing a serious health hazard, Hira Lal Rimal said.

Due to pathetic road condition, at least three accidents occur in a day along the stretch.

Earlier, Provincial lawmaker Aasha Koirala had raised the issue in the State Assembly.