DHNS

Kundapur, Nov 28: The indifference of the officials concerned, irresponsible attitude of the contractors who are unconcerned about the necessities and problems of the people, disheartened people. This is how one can explain about the situation in Kalihithlu of Shiroor village.

Kalihithlu of Shiroor village is one among the panchayats with jurisdiction over a vast area in the Byndoor assembly constituency of the district border. It also shelters the families of Hindu and Muslim fishermen.

Kalihithlu has been formed like an island in between the Arabian sea and Shiroor and for daily business, education and other requirements, people have to depend on boats.

As a result of the repeated requests made to the candidates of various political parties who visit the island during elections, a hanging bridge was constructed under the development project during the tenure of late MLA J S Achar in 1993. People were very much delighted with this development then.

On the verge of collapse

The elation of the villagers was however shortlived. Due to the humidity from the sea water and rain, the iron rods and wooden planks started deteriorating year after year and in 2001-02, it had become completely weak.

Byndoor MLA K Gopal Poojary and Shiroor Zilla Panchayat member S Raju Poojary had then extended some help.

The MLA had felt that hanging bridge is not suitable to the climate of the place. He had instead taken the initiative to find a permanent solution to the problem with a grant of Rs 25 lakh from the grant of Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and Natural Calamities Fund.

Though the bridge construction work started around three years ago, it has been progressing at a snail’s pace and only pillars have been constructed during this long duration.

The mud bridge which was constructed on a temporary basis got washed away in the heavy rains two years ago.
The fishing boats which had been anchored were damaged, causing loss to the tune of lac of rupees.

Moreover, 20 children were injured in the incident and since then, people have been depending on boats.

Hundreds of people now are forced to travel in boats. The island is inhabited by poor people and even pregnant women, aged persons, children and ill persons have to take the risk of traveling by boat.

During rainy season, the risks are quite high. In fact, it seems as though the officers concerned and contractors have not still realised that they have been testing the patience of the residents for quite long. If they realise this, it will indeed be a blessing.