Mullarapatna bridge- first victim of sand mafia, alleges MP Nalin

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 26 2018: Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel has alleged that the Mullarapatna bridge was the first victim of sand mafia and also blamed the negligence of the authorities for the collapse of the bridge.

Speaking to reporters here on June 26, Tuesday he said the locals had   already intimated the authorities on the damaged caused due to sand mining and had produced a video footage regarding the pillar collapse.

Still the administration did not suspend the mining, he alleged and questioned why the damage caused to the pillar was not repaired. Now, with the collapse of the bridge the locals are hit hard, he said.

He said he has visited the place along with the local MLA and has instructed the MRPL as well as the District Administration to make alternate arrangements. Efforts are being made to ensure minimum inconvenience to locals, he added.

The DC has also been asked to take steps to run 2 KSRTC buses from Mullarapatna via Koltamajalu-Polali road, he said.

Pointing out that even the Gurupur bridge  is in danger,  the MP said  the administration has been asked to get the bridge inspected through NITK experts. All bridges which are 15 years old and above should be inspected, he said adding if the district administration fails to take steps then the same would be got done through NITK.