Blurb
Angered by government inaction, Basavapur residents demand the immediate reconstruction of a crumbling 35-year-old canal bridge that threatens to cut off four vital villages.
DAVANAGERE
A 35 year old bridge in Basavapur village, located in Channagiri taluk, is on the verge of collapse, sparking widespread panic among local residents. Built in 1991 across the Bhadra Canal, the vital structure has rapidly deteriorated over the last two days, with its pillars and base visibly crumbling.
If the bridge gives way, it will completely sever the primary transport link for four major villages – Gururajpur, Degaradalli, Laxmayya Camp, and Basavapur. Currently, hundreds of farming families, school children, and daily commuters are forced to cross the unstable structure, literally risking their lives to reach schools, medical facilities, and nearby markets in Channagiri and Shivamogga.
Local farmer leader and social activist Ranganath reported that vehicular traffic has already been halted due to the safety hazard. Over 350 families residing along the canal are now living in constant fear. If the bridge collapses entirely, residents will be forced to take a grueling three-kilometer detour through distant Siddapur or Gururajpur just to access basic necessities.
Despite repeated complaints and escalating danger, villagers express immense anger over the complete inaction of government departments. No official or elected representative has visited the site to inspect the damage or offer alternative solutions. Angered by this administrative neglect, the rural community has launched an urgent appeal to the constituency’s MLAs and top district officials, demanding the immediate demolition and reconstruction of the hazardous bridge before a fatal disaster occurs.