Villagers wait for boat service

Heavy rain has converted Donikadu area into an island. Villagers in the area who have been dependent on a boat to cross River Cauvery are now marooned as the flood-level has increased.

People from around 60 families residing in Emmemadu Gram Panchayat and Benguru Gram Panchayat have been inconvenienced following the flood.

Residents of Padiyani, Emmemadu and Benguru villages had urged the district administration and the local gram panchayat to make arrangements for boats to reach out to Cherambane, through Benguru, to avoid lengthy travel across the river.

Accordingly, Benguru Gram Panchayat hired a boat by paying the boatman a monthly salary of Rs 1,500. The boat ferrying was useful, especially for children during the rainy season.

But now, the boat is damaged. As a result, the schoolchildren face inconvenience. They have to walk a distance of 9 km to reach their respective schools.

Students in Koodakandi and Parambu paisari limits could not attend classes following the flood.

Benguru Gram Panchayat President Ashok said that a new boat will be purchased at a cost of Rs 1 lakh, from Ullal.