Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 8: People residing in Thimmannakudru and Padukudru located within the limits of Kemmannu Paduthonse village near here had no contact with the outside world as their only outside link was through boats. The hanging bridge which was built at the behest of the people here had come as a blessing for them. People who had to travel from one isle to the other by boats got a big relief because of this hanging bridge. Over the years, the popularity of this bridge has grown manifold among tourists, who come here in droves to enjoy the scenery. But these visitors have now been turning into a nuisance for the people here.

This hanging bridge was built in the year 1991. It was reconstructed with a grant of ten lac rupees sanctioned due to the interest evinced by Rajya Sabha member, Oscar Fernandes, and former MLA, Pramod Madhwaraj.

It has become a habit among the visitors to stand on the hanging bridge and click photographs with captivating nature in the background. The situation has become such that now-a-days, more than locals, tourists and people who want to take a walk use this hanging bridge. During holidays, married people and lovers choose to come here to spend time together. The rush of tourists increases on Saturdays, Sundays, and other holidays. The villagers have no objection to these visits.

Some locals including Sadiq have been complaining about indecent behaviour on the part of some visitors with the locals. Some people click selfies on the handing bridge. There are many who squat on the bridge to spend time. Several youngsters create problems for the users of the hanging bridge by consuming liquor, playing cards and doing other indecent things on the bridge.

After the locals asked the local gram panchayat to do something about this problem and followed up the demand actively, it hung a board advising the visitors to behave properly and maintain decorum and discipline. However, no one seems to care about it.

This happens to be the only path for the people of Thimmannakudru to visit outside world by walk, on bicycles or by using their motor bikes. Some ill-mannered young men often refuse to make way for the locals, and use filthy language with them. A bridge being built near here by using mud has been kept on hold because of land dispute here. Therefore the locals have no other option but to use this hanging bridge.

Because of the increase in the number of tourists and those taking a stroll, people of Thimmannakudru are finding it increasingly difficult to pass through the hanging bridge. The locals also say that lack of parking space here for the visitors has also been posing problems. As there is no lighting arrangement on the bridge, moving about on the hanging bridge at night has become impossible.

The villagers are not sure about the doors on which they have to knock to get their grievances redressed. They want the department concerned to attend to the issue seriously and see that miscreants and eve-teasers learn to behave decently and do not behave rudely with the locals.