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Historic old Bridge across River Swarna in Kemmannu may collapse anytime - Need urgent attention towards Demolition.

Kemmannu, November 9, 2020: As shown in the below picture, The Historic old bridge across River Swarna in Kemmannu, Udupi District may collapse anytime. A part of it has already broken during the last rains.

According to Mrs. Veronica Cornelio, Local leader and social worker, A delegation of local people met the authorities concerned demanding the demolition and the authorities have promised the action.

Kamala, Panchayat development officer, Kemmannu Grama Panchayat, said that the Panchayat has already reached out to the PWD to go ahead with the demotion of the old bridge. The officials had even conducted a spot inspection, but follow-up action has not been taken yet, she Said.

Thomas D’souza a local resident of Kemmannu who used to commute this old bridge regularly till the construction of parallel new bridge said that many a times the matter demanding the demolition of old bridge was brought to the notice of the concerned authorities, but nothing has happened. It’s the responsibility of the administration to be proactive and avert any future incident he said.

Richard Crasto, another local resident told that, experienced contractors needs to be hired to do this kind of task of demolishing the old bridge so that debris can be retrieved without causing much harm to the river flow. People representatives should pressure the authorities to carry out the task at the earliest, he added.

The historic old bridge near Kemmannu end point was dated back to 1960’s. This was the only land connection for the people of Padukudru, Baligerkudru, Thimmankudru and Gajani during those days to mainstream.. The residents Evan were using the two-wheeler to commute through this bridge. After the construction of wider new bridge, the old bridge became useless and was used only for fishing and photo shoot related activities.

In the recent rains a part of the old bridge sank inviting more risk to users of country boats. People demand authorities to take-up the demolition work of this old historic land mark of Kemmannu at the earliest to avoid any harm to those who pass through.

Kemmannu New Bridge - File picture on the eve of Vespers Day Celebration of Kemmannu Church.

File Pictures: Country Boat users in river swarna.

File Picture: Historic old birdge of Kemmannu.