Residents of villages straddling the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district border are facing severe disruption due to the prolonged closure of a crucial bridge. The Public Works Department (PWD) bridge over the Shambhavi River, which connects Palimaru and Balkunje, has been shut to regular traffic for two full years, with no repair work or construction of a new bridge initiated in this period.
Administrative Inaction and Mounting Public Distress
According to Muneer Katipalla, secretary of the CPM Dakshina Kannada district committee, the district administrations of both DK and Udupi closed the bridge citing safety concerns. Potential reasons included illegal sand mining or other factors that may have weakened the structure. While light motor vehicles were initially permitted, the complete closure has now stretched for an unanticipated duration.
This inaction stands in stark contrast to the response at other locations. Katipalla pointed out that bridges at Addoor, Polali, and Maravoor were repaired and reopened after cracks were detected. Similarly, the Kulur arch bridge was temporarily reopened after sealing cracks, with new bridge construction also initiated at these sites. The Palimaru-Balkunje bridge, however, remains in a state of neglect.
Daily Life Thrown Into Chaos
The consequences for local communities have been dire. The closure has hit several villages between Kinnigoli and Inna, including Palimaru, Balkunje, Karnire, and surrounding areas. Student commutes have become a major challenge, with bus services restricted, forcing them to travel several extra kilometres to reach schools and colleges.
Labourers and daily wage earners are among the worst affected, now compelled to rely on expensive autorickshaw travel for their daily commute. The economic and social cost of the bridge's closure continues to mount with each passing day.
Political Neglect and Rising Public Anger
Activists have accused local representatives of turning a blind eye to the crisis. The bridge falls between constituencies represented by BJP MLAs from Kaup and Mulki-Moodabidri, who, according to the activists, have not paid adequate attention. The local Congress unit has also been criticized for failing to raise the issue strongly on behalf of the suffering villagers.
Frustrated by the official apathy, the issue was recently brought to the forefront by advocate and activist Dinesh Hegde Ulepady, CPM leader Srinath Kulal of Palimaru, and Muneer Katipalla. After visiting Balkunje and holding discussions with villagers, they have decided to submit a formal representation to the district administration.
The activists have warned that if the authorities continue to delay, protests and agitations led by the villagers with support from like-minded groups will be launched. Katipalla also raised a broader, critical question: why are bridges in Dakshina Kannada that are only 30 to 40 years old becoming structurally weak one after another, indicating a possible larger issue with construction quality or maintenance.
