Kemmannu hanging bridge waiting for facelift

DHNS

Udupi, 21 July 2010: The hanging bridges have been constructed in many villages to provide connectivity to the other side of the river. However, many hanging bridges which were constructed several years ago are waiting for a facelift. One such hanging bridge is situated at Kemmannu in Udupi which connects Padukudru to Thimmannakudru. The hanging bridge is 280 feet long and was built in January 1991 during the annual training of NCC cadets.

 

There are 26 families residing in Thimmannakudru and all the families had provided help in the construction of the bridge. The bridge was built by NCC cadets and the life of the bridge was five years. However, its already 20 years since the bridge was built. In the beginning, wooden planks were used on the bridge to cross the river. However, owing to the salt water, the planks were getting weak and destroyed. In fact, one person was killed when he accidentally slipped from one of these planks some years ago. Later, with the help of locals and Paduthonse Gram Panchayat, cement planks were installed.

 

However, these planks have become old and torn out. Though grease has been applied to the pillar of the bridge to prevent it from getting rusted, the cement planks are getting spoiled, causing fear among the locals. In some places, the cement has gone and iron rods could be seen. In fact, the planks have started shaking while walking on the bridge.

 

During the monsoon river Swarna flows with brim. The region gets inundated when the water is released from Hiriyadka Baje dam. This is the only bridge which connects families residing in Thimmanna Kudru. If the bridge is not repaired, then they will once again have to depend on traditional boats and coracles for transportation. There are several islands like Srinivasa kudru, Nadukudru, Balegere kudru, Moodukudru, Kiniyere kudru. The public have been urging the authorities concerned to repair the only bridge before it is damaged completely.