Too many boats in Cauvery a problem for Dubare

Tourist site in need of better maintenance, more facilities

The idyllic spot of Dubare in the district is facing the threat of losing Nature’s beauty.Rafting and journey on mechanised boats in the waters of River Cauvery are exhilarating experiences at Dubare.

An increase in the movement of mechanised boats and river rafting, however, has led to the naturally formed islands reaching the verge of losing their existence. Environmentalists have already expressed apprehension over trees on the banks getting washed away when the river floods.

There is a need for density of movement of boats to be reduced. With threat of flood during monsoon and in the interest of the safety of tribals and tourists, a hanging bridge should be constructed across the River Cauvery to facilitate the movement. In fact, the Tourism department had submitted a proposal for the construction of a bridge to Malnad Area Development Board. Expert Girish Bharadwaj had inspected the spot twice and had said that a bridge can be constructed at a cost of Rs 1 crore.  The construction of a bridge will benefit not only the tourists but also the 40 to 50 tribal families who reside at Dubare.

“The tribals from Dubare have to depend on Nanjarayapattana for all facilities, including health care, education and getting grocery for daily chores. They depend on mechanised boats to cross the river daily. A boat had capsized during monsoon six years ago, but as the tribals knew swimming, they safely reached the shore. To check any mishap during monsoon, the hanging bridge is need of the hour,” said Taluk Budakattu Krishikara Sangha president R K Chandru.

The residents said that the gram panchayat has failed to provide basic facilities to the tourists who visit Dubare in large numbers.

“The connecting road to the Dubare elephant camp too is crying for attention. The pathetic condition of the road is causing inconvenience to the movement of vehicles. The distance between Nanjarayapattana and Dubare is one km. However, the Tourism department has not taken measures to develop the road. The pothole-filled stretch is causing inconvenience to the movement of vehicles,” feel the residents.

The officials, however, said that Rs 1.32 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the road. The tender process is on, they added.

Negligence

TP former member C L Vishwa said that, although the gram panchayat is fetching an annual income of Rs 30 lakh from Dubare, the local body has failed to take any development works. Retaining walls should be constructed to arrest river bank erosion.

“The GP, however, has failed to initiate any measure in this regard. Further, mushrooming of small shops at Dubare is also causing the problem of disposal of solid waste,” said Vishwa.