Apathy mars Kodangala road in Udupi

The road was the long pending demand of the localites. PWD with the help of NABARD undertook the work on October 26, 2008. However, the work on a bridge across a stream at Koodangala is not materialised so far. The two kilometre road has been developed. However, the work on bridge is pending.

According to locals, the reason for delay is that Zilla Panchayat former president Gerald Fernandes had directed to construct vented dam in the region. However, the locals are demanding a minor bridge on which heavy vehicles can ply.

Two vented dams have been constructed across the stream just few kilometres away from the vicinity. The tussle between the elected representatives and locals have led to the delay in the work on bridge.

For laying the road, farmers have given away their land. However, owing to the political reason, the work on road along with bridge is being delayed.

If the road and bridge is laid, then those who go to Manipal for work from Moodubelle will be benefited. At present, they have to travel to Udupi and then go to Manipal. With the laying of road, one can reach Manipal via Moodubelle-Nellikatte-Koodangala-Mudu Alevoor. The distance will be only 10 kms. If the road to connect Nellikatte-Koodangala is
materialised, then the distance to Moodubelle will be only four kilometres. Now the villagers have to travel via Marne-Gundupade-Arbi to reach Moodubelle or Koodangala-Kukkikatte-Dendoorkatte to reach Moodubelle. Without laying the bridge, the existing road is also of no use. The work on Rs 52 lakh must have been completed by April, 2009.