Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Feb 5: A dam-cum-bridge is being built at Dota in Karpe village within Sangabettu gram panchayat here under the ambitious Paschimavahini scheme. This work has inflicted damages on the agricultural fields belonging to local farmers.

During the execution of this project, coconut, areca nut and rubber plants standing on 1.5 acres of land have been destroyed. Mud is heaped in the fields where paddy is grown. The family has taken up with the concerned officials seeking to meet the losses but it is said that the officials are overlooking their demand. The family of the farmer which gave its land out of humanitarian concern for the construction for the dam is now made to face the problems. The family now repents its decision.

The bridge is being built across River Falguni at Karpe village, and vehicular traffic will be allowed over the dam. Once this bridge is completed, this road will be the nearest route to reach Beltangady and Dharmasthala from Mangaluru airport. The people of the area will also be relieved of the need to take a detour to reach places like Kulppepadavu, Yedapadavu, Kaikamba etc.

Dr Ramaraya Prabhu from Dota had allowed transportation of materials for the bridge through his land. He has alleged that when constructing connecting road to the bridge, shed, protective wall and canal, his 1.5 acres of agricultural land has suffered losses and harvests of two cropping seasons went waste. He says that percolation pits dug at a cost of Rs 95,000 have also been damaged. The contractor, who promised to dig the percolation pits, has failed to meet the promise, he says.

Another farmer, Shashidhar Prabhu, says that haphazard work has been conducted after promising to construct a canal for the benefit of farmers and additional land has been encroached in the name of canal. Water gushing through the canal overflows the protective wall and it poses danger. As hillock was dug for mud, it is about to collapse, he said. He also added that if an attempt is made to cheat him without paying him compensation, he will not allow road to pass through his land. He said he is ready even for a legal fight.

Assistant engineer in the minor irrigation department said that there is no provision to pay any compensation for loss. He said that proposal to acquire the said land would be sent to the concerned in order to ensure that the family does not face problems.