Karwar: Residents of Ulaga and Keravadi villages are protesting the temporary removal of a barge that has been crucial for crossing the Kali River. The barge has connected the two villages for over 30 years, serving as an essential link for students, commuters, and locals.
With the barge no longer in service, students from Keravadi and Devalmakki will struggle to reach schools and colleges in Ulaga, and commuters from nearby areas will face a 30 km detour. Villagers, including Deepaka Yellowpura, Sunila Nayka, Dikshita Yellowpura, Chanda Nayka, and Ramachandra Nayka, are demanding alternative solutions to address the disruption.
Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya has assured the community that the barge will return once the floodwaters recede and that interim arrangements will be made for students and other travelers. The barge has been temporarily relocated to a flood-prone area in Belgaum district. However, residents are calling for a permanent resolution to prevent future inconveniences.