Mangaluru: Several villages in Dakshina Kannada are grappling with monsoon-related connectivity challenges. A viral video showing children walking across a check dam at Kalleri in Thannirupantha gram panchayat has highlighted these issues. Hemavathi, the panchayat president, stated that after the incident surfaced last Thursday, officials visited the site, installed a warning board, and fenced off the area to prevent villagers from using the dam as a bridge. Villagers have been instructed to use an alternative route, although it is over 2km longer. Approximately 30 houses are in the area, with children from two houses using the dam as a shortcut.
In Kadaba taluk, residents of Kombaru are demanding a bridge, as many areas lose connectivity during the monsoon. People often build temporary footbridges using areca trees to cross streams. For instance, in Birmeregundi, locals are demanding a bridge as the stream swells during the monsoon. Members from about 10 houses construct a temporary bridge to cross the stream. Recently, a man was seen taking his mother for a medical checkup on an agricultural trolley. Despite an alternative road being available, locals prefer a more direct route, as it increases the distance by 4km and there is a fear of elephant attacks.
Kombaru GP president Madhusudhan mentioned that about 10 houses need a bridge. The government has constructed bridges in recent years, such as the Malemakki and Perandodi bridges, each costing approximately Rs 1 crore. “We hope the work on the Birmeregundi bridge will commence soon. However, the community has been demanding the Odoli Naradka bridge for the last 14 years,” Madhusudhan added.