M’belle: Babbarya Kere-danger in waiting for school children

By Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 18 June 2013:Babbarya Kere, the major lake of Moodubelle has been developed by stages by the Belle Grama Panchayat. The Moodubelle-Kattingeri road cuts across the lake dividing it  into  upper lake and lower lake. The upper lake has been developed under the scheme of ‘Jalanayana Abhivruddhi’ and ‘Neeravari Yajane’ of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat.  As the road passes through the lake there is danger to the school children using this road.

Speaking about the dangerous situation, Sonia Fernandes of ninth standard of St. Lawrence High School, Moodubelle said that  the school children using this road are in great danger of slipping into the water filled lake unless  remedial measures are taken promptly.

 

Devdas Hebbar, former president of Udupi Taluk Panchayat, speaking to the Bellevision reporter said that  observing a large number of school children using this road for their safety retaining wall was constructed by the side of road and badam plants were planted. During the last 7 years these plants had become trees. However, during the last April, the tress were cut down and lake renovation work was started. He further said that the work was started at the cost of  four kakhs of rupees grant released by the Zilla Panchayat. When the reporter asked Rajendra Shetty, the present Grama Panchayat president about these developments, he said that he is not aware of these things. He further said that the work has been undertaken without informing the Grama Panchayat.
“There is no retaining wall by the side of the road passing through the lake and school going children are facing a lot or problem during the rainy season. This mater  should be seriously looked into by the Grama Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat and concerned engineer and see to it that school children do not face any danger as they walk on the road”, said Rajendra Shetty.

Speaking further, Rajendra Shetty said that  5-6 year ago the Grama Panchayat had developed the lake  and retaining wall was constructed and badami plants were planted and even fencing was done. However, the present work  is being undertaken without the knowledge of the Grama Panchayat  which has created this problem. When I asked the engineer, he said that the present work is being undertaken by the grants provided by the Zilla Panchayat. Rajendra Shetty said that still the Grama Panchayat has no clear indication about the nature of the work.

Sylvester Mathias, headmaster of Church Aided Higher Primary School speaking to this reporter said that previously there used to be fence by the side of the road. Thought the lake development work is being done there is no fence and during the rainy season when the lake is full of water, there is a danger of children slipping into the lake thus  causing danger to life. It is better to take precaution and prevent any future mishap. In spite of the early warnings, the Grama and Zilla Panchayats seem to be sleeping over the issue.