Stany Bela
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 20: Residents of Pavoor Uliya Island, who since decades are suffering without connectivity to mainland, call the year 2019 as another year of fake promises, politically motivated assurances and dramatic visits by MLC, MLA and local elected representatives.
The residents like every year have started constructing a temporary bridge across the river, giving up hope that government will listen to their woes and construct a bridge.
Last year, Daijiworld had published a series of news articles highlighting government’s apathy towards the residents of Pavoor Uliya Island. The issue became state news, after which the MLA, MLC and district administration officials visited the island and assured to construct a bridge across the river. But later nothing happened. Even the temporary bridge constructed by residents using their own money was destroyed by some miscreants who are closely connected to the local sand mafia. Without a bridge, children are unable to go to school in the rainy season and are forced to drop out from schools. Two deaths took place in the island as the family members could not take the people who were ill to the hospital in time.
When the entire district was flooded due to heavy rains this year, 80 per cent of Pavoor Uliya Island was submerged under water. The trapped families were rescued by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel. NDRF personnel also faced difficulties to reach this island. But as usual, after the rains subsided, the district administration and elected representatives forgot their promises and assurances. The residents who have gotten used to the apathy have started rebuilding their lives from scratch.
This year again, they are constructing a temporary bridge which is 1200 meters long. They are using metal rods and wood for the construction.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Fr Jerry, who takes the initiative of constructing the temporary bridge every year after collecting money from donors said, “During summer, a temporary wooden bridge is installed. This year also we constructed the same, at a cost of Rs 3.5 lac. Up to next rainy season, the residents can use this bridge. After Pavoor Uliya issue was highlighted in local and state media, the officials of district administration and the elected representatives visited the island and promised a permanent solution within a year. But after that, no one has turned up. The local MLA and representatives have completely ignored the people of this island,"
“It is my kind request to NGOs and private organisations to help residents of Pavoor Uliya Island to get facilities from government. They do not have much education to fight for their rights and there are no proper leaders who can lead an agitation,” he added.
The island has around 50 students studying in various schools and colleges. To go to the other end, they assemble near a boat boarding point by 6.30 am. Due to the salt water, the students need at least 4 to 5 pairs of footwear every year and they skip classes whenever there are heavy rains.
“At the time of election, the candidates visit this island and assure to build a bridge and provide other facilities. But once the election is over, promises are forgotten. Every day the river gets deeper due to frequent digging of sand. There are many illegal sand mining units operating in surrounding areas of our island. It makes us afraid and if the sand mining continues, definitely the island will disappear within few years.” says a resident.
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