Puttur: Although several years have passed since the construction of the vent dam (bridge-cum-barrage) connecting Perne Biliyur and Saralikatte, a vital link between the rural pockets of Puttur and Belthangady assembly constituencies, the lack of all-weather approach roads on either side continues to plague commuters.

The bridge connects Perne-Biliyur on the Puttur side to Saralikatte in Tekkaru village on the Ajilamogaru-Pedamale road in Belthangady. This route is a crucial shortcut for several villages across Puttur, Bantwal, and Belthangady taluks.

In 2020, following a proposal by the then Puttur MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, the Minor Irrigation Department sanctioned ₹51.68 crore for the project. While the structure was completed, the department's regulations did not allow for the funding of connecting roads, leaving only a basic dirt track in place.

Current status and regional issues

On the Puttur side, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai recently sanctioned ₹5 lakh for a stretch of concrete road in Biliyur village. However, a significant portion leading directly to the bridge remains a mud track.

The situation is worse on the Belthangady side. The dirt track connecting the bridge to the Saralikatte main road is of poor quality and significantly lower in elevation than the main structures. While soil has been dumped to make it temporarily motorable, locals fear the upcoming monsoon will turn the stretch into an impassable slush pit.

Monsoon connectivity cut-off

Since the approach road on the Belthangady side lies in a low-lying area, rising river levels during the rainy season often submerge the track, cutting off connectivity for days. Locals noted that the constant fluctuation of water levels leads to repeated road closures and heavy silt accumulation, making the bridge virtually useless during the peak monsoon months.

Residents are urging officials and elected representatives to formulate a plan for all-weather roads. Without this, the multi-crore bridge will remain a seasonal facility, accessible only in summer.

Official Statement

"The Minor Irrigation Department constructs the bridge-cum-barrage and provides basic mud track connectivity. However, our department does not have the provision to grant funds for permanent approach roads. Approximately 30 meters of all-weather road is required on the Biliyur side and 150 meters on the Saralikatte side." - Sajuddin, Assistant Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation Department, Mangaluru