Bantwal: Locals demand for hanging bridge in Thumbay/Sajipanadu still a distant dream

Bellevision Media Network

Bantwal, 05 March 2016: The time has not come to install a hanging bridge that was a dream of the villagers living in and around Thumbay and Sajipanadu villages, near here which are separated by the lifeline Netravati River in the d Dakshina Kannada district. 

 

The villages of Thumbay, Pudu and Kallige in Bantwal taluk are located close to Mangaluru – Bengaluru NH 75, while the Netravati River has separated the villages of Sajipanadu, Sajipamooda and Sajipamunnoor. The people living in Sajipanadu, Padu, Mooda and Munnoor villages had to commute longer distances by road to reach B C Road, Farangipet and Mangaluru town for their daily needs. Even the common man had to pay double the fare for auto rickshaw without choice.   

 

Although the people of these villages were demanding a hanging bridge to link Sajipanadu with Thumbay, there are no signs that their demand would be fulfilled in the nearest future. ‘If the hanging bridge is erected, it would improve the traffic bottleneck in city,’ say the villagers.

 

The people living in villages of Sajipanadu, Padu, Mooda and Munnoor villages had to cover nearly 35 kilometers to reach Mangaluru via Mudipu – Deralakatte route. Further if they got to go to B C Road had to cover 12 kilometers and Farangipet had to cover 20 kilometers via Melkar route. If the hanging bridge is installed as per the demands of villagers, they can reach Mangaluru by covering 18 kilometers through Thumbay. They can reach B C Road by covering 5 kilometers from Thumbay, 5 kilometers to Farangipet. It would save nearly 50 percent of distance.

 

The hanging bridge would benefit not only the villagers of Sajipanadu, Padu, Mooda and Munnoor villages, but also Thumbay, Pudua and Kallige villagers. The people going to Mangaluru had to take a roundabout route of 35 kilometers from Pumpwell – Tokkottu to reach Mudipu and Deralakatte, while through the hanging bridge they can reach in 18 kilometers. It would also benefit the students studying in premier education institutios in Konaje and Deralakatte.   

 

The local MLA U T Khader had already submitted a proposal to Malnad Development Authority, related to hanging bridge between Sajipanadu – Thumbay, Pavoor – Adyar ferry by undertaking survey by the renowned hanging bridge specialist Girish Bharadwaj. However, the Authority has rejected the proposal of Sajipanadu – Thumbay because of bus services exists. It has recommended the hanging bridge between Pavoor – Adyar @ Rs 1.5 crore.

 

The denial of hanging bridge, the long pending demand of people living in Sajipanadu, Padu, Mooda, Munnoor, Thumbay, Pudu and surrounding villages disappointment and also anguish. The locals urge the people representatives to take their cause further.   

 

The hanging bridge Sajipanadu – Thumbay, Pavoor – Adyar has been my dream that needs Rs 4 to Rs 5 crore to realize. The proposal submitted after the survey to Malnad Development Authority has been rejected because Sajivanadu village has roads and buses ply. Meanwhilem, it can be laid with the funds pooled from Sajipanadu and Thumbay gram panchayats, MP, MLA, Rajya Sabha member, ZP and TP. I am ready to extend my support. 

- U T Khader, state health minister and local MLA

 

The villagers of Sajipanadu and surrounding villages had to over double the distance and double the money to go to towns and cities. The common man is most affected owing to exorbitant bus and auto fares. I have drawn the attention of local MLA U T Khader and Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioner on the urgent need for a hanging bridge that has been long pending demand of locals. I have been saddened with the denial for the proposal by the Authority concerned. Meanwhile, we will keep trying by taking a delegation to MP and MLA.

- Mohammed Nassir, president of Sajipanadu gram panchayat

 

The hanging bridge across Netravati River between Thumbay- Sajipanadu will benefit the villagers of Thumbay, Pudu and surrounding villages. It would avoid the tragedies especially during the monsoon whilst ferrying people in boats. The traffic snarls occurring at Melkar junction can be eased by a hanging bridge. The issue would be discussed with the council meeting.

- Praveen B Thumbay, vice president of Thumbay gram panchayat