In a symbolic protest, residents sowed paddy seeds and planted plantains on the incomplete Beenachi–Panamaram Road to express their frustration over the prolonged delay and continued closure of the road. The protest was organised under the banner of the Nadavayal People’s Collective. The collective warned that if the work continues to remain stalled, they would intensify their agitation by completely blocking traffic on the panchayat road. The project, launched in 2019 with funding of several crores from KIIFB, has dragged on for over six years with no end in sight.

Road users, including school children, have faced severe hardships ever since the road was abruptly closed without any preparatory arrangements. The stretch, meant to ease the Nadavayal–Palli Kayattam incline, has now turned into a muddy quagmire. The portion between Nadavayal Pallithazhe and the town was expected to be completed before the onset of the monsoon.

Now, students from classes one to four attending schools near the church are forced to travel longer distances. With the main road shut and all traffic rerouted through a narrow panchayat road, that stretch too has deteriorated. Potholes and flooding have disrupted traffic, and public buses have stopped entering the town, leaving commuters stranded.

Residents allege that despite the replacement of the initial contractor due to corruption and inaction, the new contractor has also failed to make progress, reportedly due to a nexus with officials responsible for oversight.

The protest was inaugurated by Nadavayal Holy Cross Major Archepiscopal Assistant Vicar Fr Clinton. Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi president Shaji Sebastian presided over the function. Babu Stephen, Shani Chenappady, Vincent Cheravayal, Mani Engappally, Inchikkala Lalachan, Scaria Mannoor, Tomy Chennattu, and Balakrishnan also addressed the gathering.