A vital pedestrian bridge in the Kodagu district has been deemed dangerously unsafe, prompting immediate restrictions from local authorities. The hanging bridge spanning the Cauvery River near the revered Sri Ramalingeswara Temple in Kanive village is now in a severely dilapidated condition, raising significant safety alarms.
Official Inspection Spurs Immediate Action
Acting on numerous complaints from concerned locals and visitors, Kushalnagar Tahsildar Kiran Gouraiah personally visited the site for a thorough inspection. The assessment confirmed the bridge's precarious state, leading to swift directives to prevent any potential accidents.
During the inspection, Tahsildar Gouraiah ordered panchayat officials to install a prominent notice board explicitly prohibiting people from standing on the structure to view the river. Furthermore, as an urgent safety measure, he restricted the movement on the bridge to no more than 4-5 people at any given time.
Access Was Already Halted, Tourist Entry Remains Barred
Revealing a longer-standing concern, Tahsildar Gouraiah stated that public access to the hanging bridge had already been stopped three months ago. This initial closure was implemented due to the heavy monsoon rains, which likely exacerbated the structure's deterioration.
He made it clear that tourist entry will continue to be strictly restricted until further notice. The safety of the public is the administration's top priority, and no risks will be taken with the unstable bridge.
Next Steps and Administrative Follow-Up
The tahsildar confirmed that the critical condition of the bridge has now been formally brought to the notice of the district administration for further evaluation and necessary action. A permanent solution, which could involve major repairs or reconstruction, will be decided at a higher level.
The inspection was conducted with Revenue Department Inspector Santosh and Hebbale Gram Panchayat Development Officer Ravikumar present, underscoring the multi-departmental attention the issue is receiving. The bridge, located under the jurisdiction of the Hebbale Gram Panchayat, is a known spot for visitors to the area, making its swift resolution crucial for both safety and local connectivity.
