Bhatkal: With the BJP rule in the state, people were hopeful that this reign would open up the doors of development and progress in the state, as the BJP had won the election by collecting votes on the basis of progress. But to the public dismay even after so many years of rule and with the next elections on head, there is no any sign of development in any sectors.

In Uttar Kannada district, BJP has its two MLA’s, the district MP also belongs to the same party, one of the MLA’s even holds a position in the ministry. But in spite of all these, even today the UK district lags behind in progress compared to many other districts in state.

It is known fact that there are a few bridges in the districts which dates back to the British era, which are not renovated till date. These bridges are in such a wrecked state that the people are unwillingly forced to use these bridges risking their lives.





One of such bridges is in limits of Shirali gram panchayat of Bhatkal taluk. It is just a kilometer away from NH 66 and joins Shirali with Tattiheskal and Alwekodi. The bridge is 50 years old and has not been touched for renovation since then. It has turned to be a nightmare for the local people who have no clue that who among them will be the victim in case it falls anytime.

The public have said that they have pointed out about this issue to the public representatives such as MP, District in-charge minister and local MLA numerous times, also that they had presented memorandum repeatedly, but to no avail.

‘Nobody is ready to take notice of the issue, and everybody is busy with their own politics’, complains public.

This bridge in Shirali is well-known in the district. This is the only bridge which connects the Jame Masjid of Palli Heskal to the Durga Prameshwari temple of Alwekodi. This is the main bridge for the passage of almost all vehicles including the school buses. The bridge is so narrow that no two vehicles can pass from the bridge at the same time. The walls and the support of the bridge have become so old and torn that it may fall apart any moment. But it is surprising to know that no any public representative is giving any importance to the repair of the bridge.





Talking to Sahilonline about the poor state of the bridge, the area gram panchayat member Najeeb Abdul Qadir and RK Naik have said that they are aware of the situation and have brought out the issue of repairing the bridge in the panchayat meetings number of times and have also presented the written appeal to the higher authorities. But everyone is busy with their own world, and are turning deaf ears to their complaints. They also said that the people are showing patience till date, but if this matter is not looked into by the higher authorities on time, the public will be forced to come on roads and stage a protest to bring attention to their problem.