Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady
Beltangady, Sep 14: Even after 75 years of independence, residents of Elaneeru village in Malavanti gram panchayat limits of Beltangady taluk are facing a peculiar hardship. Though the panchayat office is only 8 km away, villagers are compelled to travel 120 km to reach it.
Elaneeru, home to 135 households and over 600 residents, falls within the Kudremukh National Park limits. The 8-km road connecting Elaneeru to Didupe is in a severely dilapidated state. While jeeps and bikes could ply during summer, heavy rains have now rendered the route unusable. With streams overflowing, trees frequently falling, and wild animal movement being common, the forest department has sealed the road with a gate, restricting vehicle movement to prevent accidents and damage.
As a result, villagers must take a detour via Bajagoli or Kottigehara–Charmadi, covering 120 km one way and 240 km for a round trip to reach the panchayat or taluk office. This not only consumes an entire day but also leads to heavy expenses.
Despite being just 5 km from Chikkamagaluru district’s border, all land records, banking, and official matters of Elaneeru fall under Beltangady taluk. For decades, residents have been demanding the development of the Didupe–Elaneeru road to ease their hardships. However, lack of initiative from authorities, combined with legal hurdles from the forest department, has left the demand unfulfilled.
MLA Harish Poonja had sanctioned funds last year for several development works, including roads and bridges in Elaneeru’s revenue areas, and had taken interest in pursuing road development within the forest zone. Multiple surveys have already been conducted.
Villagers point out that if the 8-km forest stretch is developed, it will not only resolve their connectivity issues but also boost tourism. The picturesque route, with streams, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic ghats similar to Charmadi, has the potential to emerge as a major attraction while reducing traffic burden on Charmadi Ghat.
“Due to the road’s current condition, the forest department and locals have agreed to restrict vehicular entry by installing a gate at Didupe. Movement will be allowed only once the rains subside,” said Prakash Jain, president of Malavanti grama panchayat.