Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Aug 13: A visitor to Devaragadde village in the taluk is sure to get scared at the sight of people crossing the rivulet in full flow there by using an unstable ropeway. For these villagers, maintaining balance of mind and body while walking on the rope is the key to saving themselves, everyday of their lives.

Toodalli rivulet flows from Toodalli waterfall within Byndoor gram panchayat. Devaragadde village, which has mostly remained neglected, is located on one side of this rivulet. Ropeway is the only means for the 10 to 15 families living at Devaragadde to either go home or reach out to outer world. Students, children, elders and every other individual have no other alternative left but to walk on this rope risking their lives.

Dozens of students go to educational institutions located at Shiroor, Byndoor, Bhatkal, and other places from Devaragadde. The people here, who are entirely dependant on agriculture for livelihood, cannot devote time and energy to personally supervise passage of students over this rope. Therefore, these students are compelled to stay in houses of relatives located on the other side of the rivulet during rainy season. In case of accidents or ill health, taking the concerned to hospital from Devaragadde is almost impossible.

Even in this modern era, problem of Devaragadde has remained unresolved. A look at this ropeway makes one wonder as to why these people have to face so much risk at a time when we brag about advances in science and technology. Old people, crippled ones, and ill people find it a daunting task to cross the rivulet by using this ropeway. During rainy season, taking sick people to towns for treatment poses a big challenge. Government departments and people's representatives have to attend to the problems of the people and help them breathe easy.

Byndoor MLA, K Gopal Poojary, said that sanction has been obtained for building over 50 bridges in Byndoor constituency. He said he plans to provide bridges to different places by prioritizing them. He said he would hold discussions with officials to see what best can be done to provide permanent solution to the problems of people living in Devaragadde.