Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jul 29: Minister for health and family welfare U T Khadar on Tuesday July 29 said that the state government, acting on the long-pending demands of the people of Pavoor-Uliya, has sanctioned the construction of a hanging bridge across the Netravati river, connecting the island to the mainland.
Addressing a press meet here, he said, "Hanging brigde connecting Pavooru-Ulliya to the mainland under Mangalore constituency was a long pending demand, and it will be materalized very soon. The hanging bridge will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.
"The Malnad Area Development Board has released Rs 1.5 crore for the construction of the hanging bridge. Access to this island has remained a major problem. Boats have been the only mode of transport, and during monsoon, crossing the river becomes tough. People have been suffering because of this," he said.
"The plan has been desinged by Girish Bharadwaj. The bridge will be about 400 to 450 metres in length," Khadar added.
He further said, "The state government in collaboration with the union government is holding an awareness drive to prevent diarrhoea in children below five years. This programme was launched on Sunday July 28 and will go on tille August 8."
Insurance scheme for accident victims
He also announced that the government will be introducing an insurance scheme for accident victims that would enable them to get treatment without delay.
"Keeping in mind the importance of timely treatment for road accident victims, the government has come forward to initiate an accident health insurance scheme. When road accidents occur, people hesitate to rush the victims to hospitals, as they fear they may have to bear the treatment cost. Even when accident victims are taken to hospital, they are left unattended. Hence to avoid delay in treatment, the state government has come forward to provide Rs 25,000 as the intial treatment cost till 48 hours after the accident, which would be helpful to the family members of the victim till they find out about the accident and reach the hospital. Presently, the goverment is discussing this scheme with insurance companies," he explained.