Bhatkal: In a disturbing incident highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure in Doddahittalkeri village in Honnavar Taluk, near Bhatkal, villagers were forced to carry the body of a deceased man on their shoulders across the swollen Bhaskeri Stream for his last rites, as the village has neither a motorable road nor a bridge.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread concern over the continued absence of basic civic amenities even nearly eight decades after India’s independence.
According to sources, Cristen Rodrigues (30), a resident of Doddahittalkeri, died after a prolonged illness. As there was no road or bridge connecting the village to the outside world, residents had no option but to carry his body across the rain-swollen stream on foot to conduct the funeral.
Residents said that Doddahittalkeri and the adjoining Gajanikeri hamlet, home to more than 50 families, continue to remain without proper road connectivity or a bridge. During the monsoon, the overflowing stream cuts off access to neighbouring villages, forcing people to risk their lives while crossing the water for medical emergencies, essential supplies, and other daily needs.
Villagers alleged that they have repeatedly submitted memorandums to the authorities and the local MLA seeking a permanent solution, but no concrete action has been taken so far.
Responding to the allegations, BJP MLA Dinakar Shetty, who represents the Kumta Assembly constituency, said he had not received any memorandum regarding the road issue. He added that several such infrastructure problems exist across the constituency and that limited funds have delayed their resolution. According to him, the Coastal Authority has sanctioned only ₹25 lakh this year, compared to ₹2 crore during the previous government. He assured residents that efforts would be made to resolve the issue at the earliest.
Following the viral video, social activists and residents of coastal Karnataka have appealed to the government and district administration to provide a proper road and bridge so that villagers are not forced to endure such hardships during emergencies.