A proposal by Congress leader HC Yogesh to demolish the historic Tunga River bridge in Shivamogga and replace it with a flyover has drawn strong opposition from historians and heritage activists. Yogesh, along with other leaders, submitted a memorandum to Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, urging immediate demolition of the bridge and construction of a flyover at the same location.
Reasons for demolition
Yogesh stated that the bridge suffered severe damage during the 2019 floods and has since been restricted to light motor vehicles. The delegation argued that this restriction has led to traffic gridlocks and commercial bottlenecks, hindering urban expansion. They requested an allocation of Rs 40 crore from the state's Rs 2,000 crore bridge restoration budget for the current fiscal year to build a flyover and restore heavy vehicle movement.
Speaking to TOI, Yogesh said the minister inspected the bridge during his visit and promised immediate allocation of funds to start the work. According to Yogesh, Jarkiholi assured the construction of a flyover at the site following the memorandum.
Opposition from heritage activists
The proposal has been opposed by historian and archaeologist Ajay Kumar Sharma and other heritage activists. While acknowledging the need for infrastructure, Sharma emphasized that the structure should be preserved as a heritage monument and that a flyover should be built at an alternative location nearby.
Sharma disputed claims that the bridge was constructed between 1868 and 1871 under Sir James Davidson Gordon and Colonel Stokes. Citing archival research, including Lewin Bentham Bowring's 1871 work Eastern Experiences, Sharma argued that the bridge dates to 1850-1851 during the administration of British Commissioner Sir Mark Cubbon. He noted that the Tunga crossing, under the legacy of the Keladi Nayakas, marked an early milestone in infrastructure development in the Malnad region.
Heritage activists' concerns
Heritage activists said that such structures are protected elsewhere by rerouting roads rather than demolishing them. They warned that demolition would erase Shivamogga's historical identity. Yogesh countered that there is no alternative space and that demolition is inevitable.
