A distressing scene unfolded in Kannanda Bane village of Madikeri, where residents were forced to carry the body of Dharmanna (55), who passed away after an illness, over 100 steps due to the absence of a road to their homes.
Though the government issued land title deeds to Kannanda Bane residents back in 1992, proper road access has never been developed. Around 50 families in this ward live without even a basic path. The elderly, pregnant women, and the sick face severe hardships just reaching their houses.
A ₹25 lakh road construction project was sanctioned, but officials say the Forest Department has repeatedly denied permission because the area borders forest land. As a result, families must carry everything—including their deceased loved ones—up steep stairs in all weather conditions.
Local representatives and city council members have raised the issue, but no solution has materialised. Residents are now urging the Kodagu MLAs and the district in-charge minister to intervene and resolve the legal hurdles that have kept them cut off for decades.