Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Oct 15: The minor irrigation department has started primary stage work for the proposed construction of the bridge from Bantwal to Narikombu under the concept of bridge cum barrage across Netravati river. The project that is taken up at a cost of Rs 135 crores is approved by the state cabinet and the funds are released as per the proposal of MLA Rajesh Naik.

A wide area of land is being finalized. Mud is being filled for pillars. The bridge will connect Bantwal and Narikombu on one side and Narikombu and Pulikukku on the other. The department has decided that large scale roads are unnecessary as there are approach roads on both sides. Vehicles can run at a width of 7.50 meters while the width of the sea is 341 meters.

Barriers to the river at various places

The number of dams providing water for various purposes including the dam under construction at Jakribettu will be 6. There is Kindi dam at Biliyoor, AMR dam generating electricity at Shambhoor and a small dam that supplies water to MRPL at Sarapadi that is submerged due to the Shambhoor dam.

“The site clearance work for the construction of the primary stage of the bridge has begun. The width of the river here is 341 meters and the bridge will be constructed with a width of 7.5 meters,” said Shivaprasanna, assistant engineer, minor irrigation department, Bantwal.