Mandya: The Hebbala Bridge connecting Sri Arkeshwaraswamy Temple to various villages near Guttalu Badavane on the outskirts of the Town is in a poor condition, inviting danger. The bridge connects Mandya Town and rural areas as well as Mandya Town to Marakadudoddi, Srinivasapura and S.D. Jayaram Layout on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway.
Also, a large number of devotees visit the famous Arkeshwaraswamy Temple. However, it is on the verge of collapse due to rain.
Whenever it rains, the water from Hebtala canal overflows all over the bridge. This is affecting the movement of farmers, motorists, temple devotees and the general public. People need to wait for the water to recede. Also, there is a situation of waiting all day long when it rains too much.
The bridge is on the edge of falling into a gorge due to heavy rains this year. The asphalt on the bridge has already been removed and is ridden with potholes. Also, the road near the Bridge has reached the point of collapsing due to the rainwater. This has created a situation where motorists and the public are afraid to move around.
As there is no barrier on either side of the Bridge, the motorists are forced to move around fearing for their lives. Farmers, women and children have also suffered. Motorists say it’s hard to get from the Bridge to the canal.
District Officer S. Aswathy, who recently toured the Town, had also visited the spot and took stock of the situation on the bridge. He had also instructed the officials to take up repairs of the Bridge. However, the public complain that no action has been taken to repair the bridge so far.
