Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Oct 12: Incidents of people jumping into the Phalguni River from the Kulur bridge have been increasing. In 2023-24, over five such incidents have occurred, prompting the public to call for safety measures on the bridge similar to those on Ullal bridge.

Recently, a woman from another state jumped in an attempt to end her life but was rescued by local fishermen. A few days ago, a well-known figure, Mumtaz Ali, took his life by jumping into the river.

So far, street lights have not been installed on the bridge, making it difficult to see in the event of an accident. Several vehicles have fallen into the area below the bridge, especially near the sharp turn when approaching from Udupi. New drivers and truck drivers have frequently hit the bridge’s retaining wall, causing cracks.

The public is urging the installation of wire netting on both sides of the bridge, along with CCTV cameras. Guruchandra Hegde Gangari Kulur, president of the Kulur Citizen Welfare Committee, said, “The Kulur Citizen Welfare Committee has decided to bring this issue to the attention of the deputy commissioner before Kulur bridge becomes an accident and suicide hotspot. In the past few months, three incidents have occurred. This must be prevented. Street lights and fencing should be installed immediately.”