Residents cross a stream without a bridge at Karle in Kalasa taluk
DH Photo
With every monsoon, Karle village in the taluk turns into an island with a road connecting the village remaining under an overflowing stream.
As a result, schoolchildren, college students and elderly citizens face severe inconvenience. The village is inhabited by Gowdalu community and water bodies flow above danger level during monsoon. As a result, the road connecting Kattimane Halla remained inundated.
In case of emergencies, the families find it difficult to reach the hospitals or to go to shops to purchase household articles. “We are forced to cross the overflowing stream. But, when it rains heavily, we cannot even cross the stream,” said villagers.
By crossing Kattimane Halla, one can reach seven houses belonging to the tribals. A dilapidated wooden bridge that also connects the village is also risky, said the residents. Further, the area lacks a mobile network.
As a result, tribals’ high-pitched voice is a means of communication to seek help for crossing the overflowing stream. Besides, the village plunges into darkness for several days during disruption in power supply. “During the Naxal movement, police used to visit the villages frequently and were helping us in addressing our problems. Now, neither officials nor elected representatives visit us and listen to our grievances,” said villagers.
“Our children are studying in Samse and Horanadu Ashrama schools. Owing to the overflowing streams, children do not visit homes for six months,” moaned tribal women.
MLA Nayana Motamma said the demand for a bridge at Karle will be fulfilled with Malnad Area Development Board funds, shortly. Officials will visit and address other issues bothering the residents.
Samse GP member Kalakodu Ravi said “if a bridge is constructed across Kattemane Halla, then the majority of the issues bothering the villagers will be solved.”