Beltangady: Will Government Find a Permanent Solution for Connectivity at Kajoor?
Report: Melka Miyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MB)
Pics: Sphoorti Ullal
Mangalore, Jul 23: Even 60 years after independence, our administration has failed to create linkage between the villages and the taluk and district headquarters in many parts of the counry. In the process of rapid industrialization in India, the infrastructural needs in the villages have been neglected by successive governments continuously.
Dakshina Kannada is also said to be one of the most developed districts in Karnataka. It may appear true when one could see our cities and towns. But when we go towards deep in the interior, the real picture of ‘India’ can be seen in all its stark appearance.
A place at Kajoor in Beltangady taluk of our district is a suitable example for our real India. The place lacks connectivity since the beginning. But the government has neglected the demands of locals here. Especially during rainy seasons, the condition of the locals here is plainly pathetic.
Here is a man who fulfilled the need of connectivity during rainy seasons by using the ferry craft - more of a country raft - all made of bamboo strips. This place is located about 14 kms away from Beltangady.
A quarter century ago Tungappa Poojary had created the first version of this raft to enable the locals to cross from Kajur. During every rainy season, he creates a raft. Those who want to go to Mundaje, Sometadka, Didupe and other places should cross the river here making use of this 'boat'.
He spends about Rs 6 thousand every year to create this raft and to install rope and other equipments. But he is not expecting any big return out of it. More than that, he takes the school-going children in his boat without collecting any fees with them. He collects Rs 2 from others to cross the river by means of his boat.
An average of Rs 250 income is generated from this raft everyday. Now two persons are employed to operate this boat. They are getting a daily salary of Rs 80 for their effort.
Tungappa Poojary is not expecting any big profit out of this boat. But, he is the satisfaction and contentment of the service he gives. The locals here also speak highly about the service he has been providing for several years.
The officials authorities come here regularly and conduct the periodical ritual of a survey at the spot. But no progress has been achieved so far. Six months’ ago, a survey was conducted here by the government officials. They estimated the requirement of Rs 80 lac to build a bridge across the river. But, going by the past record, the locals here are not hopeful of seeing a new bridge on the river for many years to come.
Indeed, a bridge too far. For too long a time to come, maybe.
Similar plight elsewhere:
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