Justin Dsilva
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala
Karkala, May 10: Transforming the rugged paths of Peradka of Mala Village in Karkala into avenues of accessibility and joy, Govinda Malekudiya's initiative has left an indelible mark in the region. With the creation of a picturesque road connecting to a once impassable hill, the journey for over 25 families residing in the Peradka tribal colony of Mala village has been revolutionised. Among them is the intrepid Govinda Malekudia, whose daily adventures now find smoother passage, alongside a hundred others who traverse this newfound path, brimming with happiness and opportunity.
In the last 30 years, Govinda Malekudia has laid a total of about 500 meters of road from Sringeri-Mala-Bajagoli-Pulkeri-Mangaluru National Highway near Peradka to Bugatugundi, the first ward road in his Colony. In addition to this, he has also constructed a drainage system to carry water during the rainy season. MLA Sunil Kumar responded to this road by constructing three culverts. But Govinda Malekudia has appealed to the panchayat to asphalt the road.
Environmentalist Aarti Ashok had complained to the Lokayukta on March 3 last year to develop it as a tar road. But the Lokayukta responded to this and directed the department to develop the road, from the first ward to Bugadugundi and about 200 meters of road has been widened using the JCB and not developed into a tar road.
Govinda Gowda, 55, another environmentalist, has been working as a labourer along with the forest department for the past 30 years planting and nurturing plantations along the Western Ghats. During the Covid-19 pandemic he left work and got involved in road construction work along with housework.
Govinda Gowda studied under the Literacy Movement. But he is a beneficiary of an employment guarantee scheme from the government. He hasn't obtained any other privilege. Govinda Malekudi is originally a farmer and has planted more than 50 trees on the roadside to facilitate the passers-by. He plans to plant saplings on both sides of the National Highway passing through Bajagoli near Sringeri Mala during the rainy season.
MLA Sunil Kumar had concretised 300 meters of the main road from Peradka Highway to the colony five years ago. Because of the construction of this first cross road, Bugadugundi Road, all the students went happily.
"His smile is my inspiration. I have planted a tree in the forest by the forest department. It is comforting to see everyone walking around happily. Our life exists if there is an environment. Tomorrow, if we don't have an environment, we don't have life," says the adventurous Govinda Malekudia.
Only after complaining to the Lokayukta, about 200 meters of the road from the first ward to Bugadugundi was widened by JCB and not developed as a tar road.
MLA Sunil Kumar favours the comprehensive development of Karkala taluk. He had helped to build a culvert on this road. Environmental activist Mala Aarti Ashok expresses confidence that "now we have the confidence to get financial grants for asphalting."