Tue Sep 24 00:52:43 UTC 2024: ## Residents of Kombaru Village Secure Funding for New Bridge and Road After Years of Struggle

**MANGALURU, India** – After nearly three decades of advocating for a new bridge and improved road infrastructure, residents of Kombaru village in Dakshina Kannada will finally see their long-awaited dream become reality. The state government has sanctioned ₹1.31 crore for the construction of a new bridge across the Katte stream and the renovation of the connecting Manibanda-Ukkunda-Kotegudde-Katte road.

The village, located in Kadaba taluk, faced a severe lack of infrastructure, particularly during the monsoon season. The existing foot overbridge across the Katte stream became impassable, isolating residents and preventing access to essential services, including healthcare. Gunavantha Katte, a local farmer, described the situation as dire, stating that the area would turn into an island, forcing residents to walk for kilometres through leech-infested terrain to reach the mainland.

The lack of proper road infrastructure also posed significant challenges, making it difficult for doctors to reach the village and hindering access to healthcare for residents. This situation tragically led to the untimely death of Mr. Katte’s father two years ago due to delays in reaching medical assistance.

Frustrated with the government’s inaction, Mr. Katte and his brother, Manjunath, decided to take legal action. Inspired by the successful petition filed by residents of Mettuttaru, who had also faced similar infrastructure challenges, they filed a writ petition in January 2024, demanding the construction of a bridge and road.

The petition, supported by advocate Katte N. Praveen Kumar, resulted in the government allocating ₹50 lakh for the bridge and ₹81.5 lakh for the road. Tenders for both projects have already been floated, signaling the beginning of a much-needed transformation for Kombaru village.

The success of the petition highlights the power of collective action and perseverance in achieving long-overdue improvements in infrastructure and quality of life for rural communities.

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