Udupi: It's 30 Yrs - Villagers Still Dream Of Bridge Across Madisalu Rivulet

News & Pics: Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SB)

Udupi, Jun 27: It is a bit of a shocker that a bridge under construction since 30 years is yet to be motorable. But given the fact that it is a government project there is nothing astonishing.

The demand for a bridge across Madisalu rivulet linking Kunjalu–Aroor–Kolalgiri that has been long-pending is genuine, for residents of surrounding villages Aroor, Cherkady, Nilavar, Kokkarne, Petri, Udupi and Manipal will be greatly benefitted on its completion. Late Patel Mahabal Rao of Aroor village had understood the need for a bridge in the pre-Independence era as a vital means for linking cluster of villages. However, the dream lies unfulfilled as the Rs 15 lac project was abandoned abruptly after initial works.

Further, the residents of Kunjal, Kokkarne, Petri and Karje are a hassled lot as they have to take a round-about route to Udupi and Manipal through Brahmavar. The bridge across Madisalu rivulet at Aroor will reduce the distance by 10 – 15 kms. The residents of Belmaru would be the prime beneficiaries as the village inundates during monsoon season cutting them off from the outer world.

Broken Footbridge Lies in Shambles

A footbridge was built to reach Belmaru near Aroor temple about 11 years ago. However, the bridge was used to commute by the two-wheelers and three-wheelers too leading to its dilapidation three years ago. Although it was informed that Rs 18 lac was released under Natural Calamities Fund for restoration of the bridge, there has been no action in this regard.

Bridging the Gap Between Manipal and Aroor

The distance betwen Aroor and education and medical hub Manipal would reduce enormously if a bridge linking Aroor village and a road from Manipal End Point to Pavanje comes up. This is demanded in the wake of rise in students, job-aspirants and patients among others moving to Manipal in the recent times.

Leaders Speak

The area of Belmaru lies on other side of the rivulet though comes under Kunjal gram panchayat, it has been an ordeal for the residents to get the panchayat work done with the missing of a linking bridge. The construction of a bridge will also benefit residents of surrounding villages to commute to Udupi, Manipal and Perdoor, said taluk panchayat member Umesh Naik.

Meanwhile, Kunjal GP vice-president Raju Kulal said that the issue has been brought to the notice of local MLA time and again. It is further planned to take the issue up with the district in-charge minister in the days to come, he added.