Grievances pour in at SC/ST meet: Bridge built far from Koraga settlement, says activist | Mangaluru News

MANGALURU: Social activist Shekhar Laila raised several concerns affecting marginalised communities in Belthangady at the SC/ST grievances redressal meeting held by Mangaluru City Police and Dakshina Kannada District Police on Sunday.He highlighted the plight of around 200 Malekudiya families living across nine villages in Kudremukh National Park who are deprived of basic amenities like electricity and road access. Laila also mentioned that six to seven Koraga families in Atrinje, Sulkeri, are forced to cross a river using a fragile wooden log during the monsoon. Although a new bridge was sanctioned, it was constructed nearly a kilometre away from their settlement, making it difficult to access—especially for school-going children.Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K assured that the matter would be verified and suitable action would be taken.Laila also reported a near-mishap at Ithilapela in Savanalu, where a two-wheeler rider and pillion were almost swept away while crossing a flooded stream, due to the absence of a proper bridge. The SP requested a list of villages requiring footbridges and assured that a proposal would be forwarded to the concerned authorities.Further, he flagged concerns about 18 contract-based ‘D’ group staff working at Belthangady Taluk Hospital, who reportedly receive their salaries only once every three to four months and are not granted even a single day of leave. The SP promised to take the matter up with the District Health Officer.A Dalit representative also raised the issue of 13 Scheduled Caste families in Nirde and Ajakala, Balnadu in Puttur taluk, who have no proper road connectivity. “Even pregnant women and patients struggle,” he said, adding that repeated appeals to officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, had not yielded any results. The SP assured that he would bring the issue to the notice of the DC and the District Legal Services Authority.Concerns were also raised regarding miscreants using the premises of a government school in Vamadapadavu to consume alcohol and gutka. The SP assured that a night beat point would be assigned and regular patrolling would be arranged.‘Mafia’ behind sand crisisResponding to complaints about the shortage of sand and laterite stones, SP Dr Arun K said, “There is no real shortage. There is adequate sand in the district. The problem lies with the mafia, which is trying to push for CRZ sand.”He added that sand blocks have been identified and are available for booking via the Sand Bazaar app. “Lawful construction is not being obstructed by police, but illegal activities will not be tolerated,” he stated.