65 families deprived of basic amenities

The construction work of a bridge between Umbalakere and Karki has been stalled and people here have to strive literally to cross the river. Villagers say that the foundation stone for the bridge was laid way back in 1987 by the then Education Minister Govindegowda.

However, contractors did not come forward to take up the work since the amount sanctioned for the bridge was only Rs 16 lakh. As a result, villagers had to use the foot bridge for several years.

Villagers submitted several memorandums to the government and people’s representatives. Later, when people unanimously demanded a bridge at a Janasamparka meet in 2007, the then Deputy Commissioner Harsha Gupta and the SP Madhukar Shetty paid a visit the spot and suggested the government for a bridge. Though the construction work of the bridge was started consequently, it has been stalled midway.

According to official sources, the work has been stopped because of the lack of funds. People’s efforts went futile, even though the issue was brought to the notice of zilla panchayat and gram panchayat.

In the meantime, villagers had made a temporary arrangements to cross river by dumping soil between pillars of the unfinished bridge. However, it was washed away during rains.