Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (EP)

Puttur, Jul 5: The footbridge built by villagers is the only way to cross the rivulet during monsoons for the residents of Baitharu, Kalkabe, Majalu, Urnadka and other areas of Tannirupantha grama near Uppinangady here. They have to cross the rivulet risking their lives.

These villages are in Beltangady taluk. The people have to cross the Kuppetti rivulet if they have to come to Uppinangady-Beltangady road.  If not, they have to take a long route by walk through private cultivation to reach school, hospital or town.

There are nearly 45 families in the area. There is a private property on its three sides and the rivulet on the other side.  As there was no bridge to cross the rivulet, the locals built a footbridge.

The footbridge was made by joining pieces of coconut tree, and other wooden pieces. Though it is risky, the people inevitably depend on it. 

A bridge has now been approved for the area, but it is half a kilometre away from this footbridge, allegedly for political reasons. The villagers say that this new bridge is of no use to them as it is surrounded by private properties.

The people have been urging the MPs, MLAs and other people’s representatives to construct a bridge for the last several years.

Tannirupantha gram panchayat president Jayavikram said that a proposal has been sent to the government on behalf of the panchayat for the bridge.  "As several lacs are required for the work, the panchayat is not able to do it.  However, the panchayat is giving Rs 5,000 for the building of footbridge every year," he said.