Finally, Bangane gets suspension bridge

          Now the people of Bangane village of Kumta taluk are reason to cheer, thanks to the people representatives and officials of the taluk who fulfilled their long cherished dream of having a bridge to cross the Aghanashini River. Earlier, the people of Bangane village were facing severe threat to their life, especially during rainy seasons as they have had to cross the river to approach Kumta town, which is the main market place for them. Now, suspension bridge was constructed across the river which facilitated their easy movement with other side of the river.

Bangane is a remote village in Kumta taluk of Karnataka, a southern state of India, and most of the residents depend on agriculture for their livelihood. But, they have had to wade through the river water which posed danger for their lives, especially for children and women. In rainy season they used 'teppa', a temporary boat constructed by banana tree which is virtually a dangerous task, for crossing the river.

Foundation stone was laid ten years back itself and pillar was installed on both sides of the river. Then Madan nayak, a local leader who dreamt about the bridge took initiation for the construction of bridge, invested lakhs of rupees in his pocket, as well as collected donations from the public for the cause. But, due to over cost construction work was halted in the midway.

In 2004, bridge was constructed at Santheguli, on Nilkunda road across Aghanashini river, but people had have to cover 10 k.m. distance to reach Santheguli from Bangane, which is at the other side of the river bank, and just a throw away distance from Santheguli, which enhanced the necessity of the suspension bridge for the locals. Locals put pressure on people representatives for the early competition of construction work. Local leaders, officials joined hands with the people, and Malnad development board, Shimogga sanctioned grants for the same.

200 meter long suspension bridge is said to be the biggest bridge in the coastal areas of the district, and has been constructed to suit their lifestyle which is now ready for usage. Bridge is very strong and even one can ride the bike on it, and children can ply over very safely. Now it is turn out be a beautiful tourist spot of the region, and is attracting tourists across the district. It is situated nearly 9 kms from Santheguli on the Kumta-Siddapur road.