Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia

Sullia, June 16: In a near-tragic incident on June 15, two youths were swept away along with their bike while crossing a river near Koodujalu in Hittilapela, a remote area in Savanalu village — but managed to survive in a cinematic fashion.

Satish, son of Kariya Malekudiya, a resident of Pela below the Hittilapela area, and Sanjeev Poojary from Sulliodi were on their way to work when they attempted to cross the river on their motorbike in Koodujalu linking Hittilapelu in Kudremukh National Park limits with Manjadabettu in Savanalu village. The river, flowing dangerously during the monsoon, swept them away. Fortunately, the bike got stuck near the riverbank, and the two young men managed to grab onto a creeper and escape, saving their lives.

This region falls under the jurisdiction of the Kudremukh National Park, where the river turns hazardous during the rainy season. Due to forest and wildlife protection laws, the construction of a permanent bridge has been legally restricted by the forest department. As a result, building a bridge has remained impossible despite growing public demand.

Around nine families, comprising more than 60 people, reside in this remote area. Despite being part of a national park, the locality has remained without basic constitutional amenities such as electricity and road connectivity for over 150 years. This river crossing is their only access route, and during the monsoon, residents risk their lives to cross it.

Although the government occasionally holds meetings on tribal welfare, development has remained a distant dream. Locals insist that until a bridge is sanctioned, the forest department should at least grant permission for a temporary footbridge. Allegedly, a case was filed when such a temporary structure was previously attempted.

Residents now urge the forest department to either construct a bridge or allow temporary structures so they can lead normal lives. “If not, the authorities must answer how people are expected to survive here,” they demand.

Locals lament that despite changes in government, there has been zero progress in improving the lives of residents in the Kudremukh National Park region. The promised development has remained nothing more than an illusion. It is unjust, they say, for governments to gamble with tribal lives. A bridge must be built immediately to safeguard lives, and proper infrastructure — including roads and electricity — must be provided without further delay.