Daijiworld Media Network - Kadaba (SP)

Kadaba, Jan 30: A proposal to build an all-seasons bridge across River Kumaradhara at Paloli in Pijakala within Kadaba town panchayat limits at a cost of Rs 23 crore has been pending with the government. Grant for the bridge has not been released, and the government has handed over the work to Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (JRDCL). But the proposal was rejected.

After the locals exerted pressure on the concerned, PWD officials had visited the spot two years back and submitted an estimate for the bridge project. But on account of shortage of grant, the proposal was turned down. Thereafter, preliminary processes to build the bridge by KRDCL were made.

A delegation led by BJP leader from here, Krishna Shetty, under the guidance of the then MLA S Angara had met the PWD minister at Bengaluru and urged the concerned to sanction grant for the bridge. Thereafter, Angara had announced grants for the construction of five bridges within Sullia constituency including Paloli.

Paloli is the shortest route for the villagers from several villages to reach headquarters of the newly formed Kadaba taluk. Locals now pin hopes on Angara, who has become a minister. In the past, villagers used to voluntarily work to create a temporary bridge here. With the help of donors and hard work of villages, a 120 metre-long, ten metres wide bridge was constructed. The bridge, which used to be thoroughly damaged due to the sheer force of water during the rainy season, used to be rebuilt by villagers but this time, the villagers did not take this initiative. Minister Angara, has said that because of the coronavirus problem, there is a shortfall of grants and that he will try to see that grants are released for the bridge as early as possible.