Justin D’silva

Daijiworld Media Network

Udupi, Nov 2: A hanging bridge basically constructed for the commute of the locals has now become a worrisome spot for them in Kemmannu village of Udupi district. The hanging bridge here in Kemmannu was basically constructed for providing road connectivity between Timmankudru and Kemmannu, but in recent days the bridge has turned into a picnic spot creating much difficulty for the locals.

The famous hanging Timmankudru hanging bridge was built in 1991 with the view to providing commute facilities between Timmanukudru and Padukudru. Locals of Timmannkudru had worked for the construction of this bridge and it was helpful for people of Kudru. Even two-wheelers were allowed to commute through this hanging bridge.

For many years the residents of Timmannukudru were undertaking the maintenance of the bridge.  In 2015 it was repaired at a cost of Rs 10 lac by then MLA Pramodh Madhwaraj and then central minister late Oscar Fernandes. After that no maintenance work was undertaken.

Now the tourist inflow to the bridge has drastically risen and many adventure activities like kayaking, boat ride are available for the visitors.

But there appears to be a risk on the hanging bridge. As per the experts, the hanging bridge can hold 15 to 30 members at a time. But due to the high inflow of tourists and no security more than 100 people have also stood on this dilapidated hanging bridge.

During weekends and holiday seasons a large number of tourists visit the spot and everyone is found standing on the bridge. Locals express their helplessness that tourists ignore the warnings of the local residents and at times start quarrelling with one another.

The cement planks laid on the bridge have become weak and are even broken in a few places. One among the two ropes holding the hanging bridge had broken once and was put under temporary repair. After this incident the bridge has slightly tilted to one side. The safety rods on both the sides of the bridge are broken and are posing a grave risk to the tourists.  

“We had written letters to the  district administration and the tourism department to take over the bridge maintenance as the gram panchayat resources were not enough for its maintenance. But we haven't received any responses yet. The danger is still continuing due to the dilapidated bridge. Even though we warn the tourists about the danger, few do not take seriously. There is a water pipeline attached to the bridge. When people shake the  bridge for fun the pipeline gets damaged and water supply to the residents of Timmankudru gets affected,” says Asha Timmanukudru, president, Kemmannu gram panchayat.

Answering media queries about the dilapidated bridge, S Angara, in-charge minister of Udupi district on Tuesday said, “I am not aware about the situation. I will discuss the issue with the officers and take note of the situation. If any illegal activities are found we will initiate action” he said.

The local residents are much worried about the safety of the bridge and the tourists after the incident in Morbi Gujarat rocked the whole country.

They have urged the district administration and the authorities to learn the gravity of the situation and repair the bridge before any mishap occurs.