Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Oct 24: Locals have urged the concerned officials to demolish the 60-year-old bridge that connects Kemmannu with Padukudru. The bridge is already broken and is on the verge of collapsing completely at any time.

This bridge was built 60 years ago as the main connecting bridge between Kemmannu and Padukudru. An alternate bridge was built 15 years ago. But the concerned officials have left the old bridge without demolishing the same.

The locals say that there is grave danger to the life of boatmen, who pass below the bridge. This bridge is 150 feet long and is at a height of around 20 to 25 feet. Small fishing boats and boats laden with goods also make use of the water under the bridge. The collapsing of bridge will also hamper the movement of water according to locals.

Kamala, PDO of gram panchayat says, "Kemmannu gram panchayat has already informed the matter of Kemmannu-Padukudru old bridge in dangerous collapsed condition to the PWD officials. Based on the complaint of the public of this area, we have asked PWD to demolish the bridge as soon as possible. Accordingly, an engineer of PWD has arrived and done the inspection."

Richard Kemmannu, a local resident says, "Kemmannu-Padukudru old bridge, which is on the verge of collapsing completely should be demolished at the earliest. If it collapses, the movement of boats below the bridge will not be possible and it will be difficult to remove the collapsed bridge also. Concerned department officials have to take this matter seriously and do the needful immediately."