Problems galore at Virajpet constituency

Virajpet Assembly constituency is one of the prestigious constituencies in Kodagu district.

Coffee, paddy, cardamom, banana and black pepper are the main crops.

Though Kodagu is known for tourism, a majority of the people are still dependent on farming. It is the main occupation in the constituency.

Virajpet constituency covers 16 gram panchayats of Madikeri taluk and Virajpet taluk.

BJP’s K G Bopaiah has been representing the constituency for the last two terms.

Many believe that amid allegations and counter allegations by the ruling party and opposition members, the development in the constituency has remained a distant dream.

Barring bus stand, connecting roads and primary health centre, no other works are visible, said people in the constituency.

The multi-village drinking water project has not materialised.

Though Bhagandeshwara Temple comes under the Muzrai Department, barring anna dasoha for the devotees, no other facilities are in the temple.

There is lack of cleanliness at Triveni Sangama.

The work on an overbridge at Bhagamandala has not commenced. The government has taken two years to complete the tender process. As a result, the residents have to depend on boats when Bhagamandala gets submerged in water during the rainy season.

Only 12 kilometres of road from Appangala has been developed. The remaining road till Talacauvery is not in good condition, causing inconvenience to the tourists.

No measures have been taken to provide safety to the tourists at Chelavara waterfalls except the green police.

The bridge at Thavooru on Madikeri-Bhagamandala collapsed three years ago. However, no work has been taken up to develop the bridge.

The problem of a bus shelter at Napoklu hobli has not been solved. As a result, buses park beside the road.

There is low voltage current in Bethu village. In spite of the demand for a transformer, the Cesc officials have not responded so far, said villager Kondira Rajappa.

The garbage issue could not find a solution in Gonikoppa, Siddapura, Srimangala, Ponnampete. The district administration has failed to sanction one acre of land for the disposal of garbage scientifically at Siddapura. The UGD systems have collapsed. As a result, pollutants are entering river Cauvery, said Siddapura resident Naseer.

The man-elephant rift has increased in the constituency.

The demand for laying rail track as fence has not been realised to check the wild elephant menace. The laying of trenches has not prevented elephants from entering the villages.

On the other hand, the construction of an indoor stadium at Virajpet has remained incomplete.

The work on widening roads have not been taken up.

In spite of being a taluk headquarter, there is no full-fledged stadium.

The government first-grade college lacks classrooms, said residents.