Stany Bela
Pics: Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 22: The residents of Pavoor Uliya, an island surrounded by the Netravati River have started to install a temporary bridge, using their own hard-earned money and help from some concerned individuals. The 800 meter-long bridge is being built with metal rods, stands and wooden towpath under the guidance of Fr Jerald, the members of Indian Catholic Movement, Pavoor unit and residents of Pavoor Uliya.
The installation of the bridge takes two days and it can be dismantled any time. The bridge will give a temporary connectivity to the outer world from the island. The bridge is only four feet wide and will not be accessible for vehicles.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Fr Jerald, priest from the local church, said, "The metal bridge is the temporary solution and we have to uninstall it at the starting of June. It will not resist the force of flowing water in the months of June, July, August and September. Then again we should install the same bridge for duration. During the rainy season, one needs to take a boat to get off this island to go to school, work or for other daily activities,"
"After getting tired of approaching local MLAs, district administration and ministers, we openly appealed to the government and concerned authorities for connectivity through media. But none of the representatives or officials showed mercy on us. From the past 50 years, we have approaching government. But they never showed any interest to listen to our demand. Now the residents themselves have decided to install this temporary bridge. It will cost nearly Rs 10 lac. Residents donated their hard-earned money for this cause. Some of the residents even sold their gold. Some youth sold their mobiles and donated money for this project. Few well-wishers also supported us by their contribution,” added Fr Jerald.
Fr Jerald further said, “We found a temporary solution and got connectivity to the outer world. But it will not help us more. The bridge will not be capable to hold the load of vehicles. Secondly, it cannot be used in rainy season. The island can be reached only by rowing for around 800 meters. Every day is an adventurous trip. Juggling between boat, overflowing river with strong currents and heavy rains, we try to cross the Netravati and go to school,”
"There are no street lights, no shops and no medical assistance available in this island. Hence, the residents have to depend totally upon either the city of Mangaluru or Adyar or Farangipet. The residents blame the apathy of people’s representatives and the district administration and say that they are forced to live in stone-age like era, cut off from the outer world. Their problems get aggravated when heavy rains lash the region during monsoon. The children who live in this island risk their lives every day to go to schools and colleges." concluded Fr Jerald.
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