Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (EP)
Mangalore, June 27: Villagers in Kojapady area of Harekala in Ullal on Friday June 27 blocked the only bus plying in their area for an hour, in a symbolic protest to demand more buses to their village. Panchayat president Mohandas Shetty warned of intensified protests by Harekala panchayat and villagers if the number of buses are not increased within the next three days.
Six buses used to ply in Kojapady area of Harekala gram a few years ago. However due to the deteriorating road conditions, the bus operators stopped plying their buses to Kojapady and are returning from Pavoor.
The local people complained to minister U T Khader in this regard and the road was concreted. However, except one, no buses came to Kojapady area. The bus service did not improve even after the locals lodged complaints to the transport officials and Konaje police station.
The villagers who opposed the apathy of officials had earlier protested by stopping the bus and made the transport official come to the place. The transport official had assured action within a week's time, but to no avail.
On Friday, the villagers held a symbolic protest of one hour. Konaje police station inspector Raghava S Padil visited the place and said that he would ensure that all the buses come to Kojapady by Monday and asked the villagers to stop the protest. The villagers withdrew their protests following his assurance.
The road from Harekala to Kojapady is five kilometers long. If one has to cover the distance by auto, they have to shell out Rs 40 to Rs 50. The farmers in Kojapady find it difficult to take their produce to the market. The farmers are forced to pay whatever they earn to the auto drivers.
Difficulties faced by school children: There is a government school in Kojapady area. Out of around 200 students in the school, nearly 50 students travel from Gramachavadi and New Padpu. They cannot afford to pay auto fare. Sometimes, teachers bring them by autos but on other days they have to cover the distance by walk. Hence they are unable to reach the school on time.
Mohandas Shetty, president of Harekala gram panchayat said that they will intensify their protests if more buses do not start plying from Monday.
Ganga Bai, headmistress of Kojapady school said that 25 children come to the school from Gramachavadi and New Padpu and they have to get down near the ferry and come by auto. She says that they sometimes bring the students as they are unable to pay Rs 30 to Rs 40 per day for auto. Out of five staff in the school, most travel from Mangalore and Suratkal. They are unable to reach the school by 9.30 am even if they start from home at 7 am. They have to pay Rs 30 - Rs 40 if they come by auto. She lamented that they have to spend for auto for bringing vegetables and milk for mid-day meals too as the government has made no arrangement for their transport.