Villagers seek a permanent bridge at Matagaru

Though the villagers of Kelakuli village in Koppa taluk have been making repeated requests to elected representatives and the government to construct a permanent bridge across Brahmi stream at Matagaru, their appeals have fallen on deaf ears so far.

The villagers are dependent on a makeshift bridge built by them, across the stream Musurehalla, which acts as a natural border between Koppa and Theerthahalli taluks, at Kelakuli village.

Verge of collapse

The footbridge is a link between Kelakuli and Bandahalli villages. The makeshift bridge is now in a dilapidated condition and is on the verge of collapse.

Students from Bandahadlu, Metahadlu and Manikatte going to Siddaramutt High School, Koppa PU College and the First Grade College have been risking their lives every day while crossing the bridge.

There have been several instances when the link was totally cut after the footbridge was inundated due to rise in the flood level. On such occasions, people have no choice left, than to take a distant path, covering 30 km via Mrugavadhe to reach Siddara Mutt.

Negligence condemned

The villagers have urged the government to build a proper bridge across the stream. The assurances, made by the politicians during elections, have not been materialised. They have also condemned the negligence of the elected representatives and officials and have warned of staging a protest.