Completion of Footbridge Construction Work in the District Within the Next Three Years: Minister Satish Jarkiholi
Udupi: Prioritizing the construction of footbridges in the rural areas of the district, the necessary construction work will be completed within the next three years, said Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi. He was speaking at a Public Works Department progress review meeting held on Monday at the District Commissioner’s office auditorium at Rajathadri, Manipal.
In the Malnad regions, rural people use footbridges to cross streams and ravines for their transportation. Previously, accidents have occurred in both coastal and Malnad areas. For the convenience of the people, a proposal for the construction of 413 new footbridges in the district has been estimated for Rs 51.77 crore. Already, Rs 30 crore in funding has been released. The remaining funds will be released in phases, and the construction of the footbridges will be completed within the next three years, he said.
Initially, people set up unauthorized tents along the sides of highways to run hotels or shops. Later, they construct permanent buildings and engage in commercial activities, which leads to vehicles being parked on the road, causing inconvenience to smooth traffic flow. Precautions must be taken to prevent new constructions, and existing unauthorized constructions should be gradually removed, he instructed.
In the district, blackspot locations with frequent road accidents have been identified in collaboration with the police over the past two years. Priority will be given to providing the necessary funding to implement scientific measures to prevent road accidents, he said.
Permission is granted for building construction 6 meters from the state highway. However, for district roads, space must be left up to 25 meters for building construction, and permission for additional floors on existing buildings is not granted, which is a significant issue in this region. This will be reviewed, and steps will be taken to issue an NOC for 6 meters on both roads, ensuring there is no injustice to the people, he stated.
Officials were instructed to utilize the released funds for development projects in the district fully and appropriately, ensuring quality and timely completion of development work.
Legislative Council Member Manjunath Bhandari stated that the coastal region receives heavy rainfall. When constructing any building or bridge, it must be designed to suit the natural climate here, and other development works should be undertaken accordingly. He brought to the minister’s attention that sand mining near the bridges on rivers causes damage to the bridge structures.
Legislator Sunil Kumar mentioned that a significant number of Malekudiya tribal people reside in Mattav of Hebri taluk, and steps should be taken to construct a bridge for their convenience. He also stressed the need to prevent unauthorized shop construction along the roadside and highlighted the problems caused by the rule that prohibits building construction within 25 meters of district highways, urging for the release of funds for the maintenance of rain-damaged roads. He emphasized the necessity of constructing bunds where required during the construction of weirs and flyovers in the district.
Legislator Gururaj Shetty Gantihole stated that there is a high demand for footbridges in Byndoor taluk, and prioritizing footbridge construction will facilitate agricultural activities, and provide convenience for two-wheeler riders, students, and the public.
Legislator Kiran Kumar Kodgi pointed out the need for necessary measures for road maintenance due to heavy rainfall in the district and highlighted the proper execution of road repair work following the M.D.R. upgrades.
Legislator Yashpal A. Suvarna expressed concern that due to the construction of a bridge at a lower level in Bankarakatta, water flows over the bridge during the rainy season, causing inconvenience to students and the public. He urged for necessary precautionary measures to be taken.
The meeting was attended by District Collector Dr. K Vidyakumari, Executive Engineer Kiran S, Technical Assistant J.G. Shanthala from the Public Works Department, contractors, various district-level officials, and others.