Ullal : Panic gripped residents, following the appearance of cracks on the surface of the Kalkatta-Manjanady bridge on the Natekal-Mudipu stretch.
Built over seven decades ago, the bridge has developed cracks at three places. Even piers of the bridge have developed a few cracks.
Local youth, Haris and Iqbal, who noticed the crack on the bridge, have informed the panchayat authorities. The gram panchayat president has informed the PWD officials, who, in turn, have promised to visit the spot.
Following the crack, the villagers have appealed to heavy vehicles to ply one by one.
Proposal submitted ; Gram panchayat former president Ismail Doddamane said, “The road connects Mudipu, Vittal, Salethoor, B C Road and Manjeshwar. The crack was first noticed a few months ago. A proposal was submitted to Minister U T Khader to develop the bridge while asphalting the road. Accordingly, a proposal for Rs 1 crore has been submitted to the government.”
The residents have urged the officials to inspect the bridge and initiate strengthening work of the bridge.