Napoklu: This is the pathetic tale of people of Bengur and Padiyani villages which will be cut off from the rest of the world every monsoon when Cauvery overflows in her full might.

The worst hit are the people of Donikadavu here  in the absence of a proper approach road as well as a bridge here during monsoons. All they can do is rely on the ferry service which too is dangerous. People including school kids and labourers are left with no other go but to go in these boats by staking their lives.

There is road connectivity upto Doni Kadavu in between Ballamavati and Cheerambane Gram Panchayats. However, the absence of a bridge across Cauvery river here is the crux of all problems. Around 200 families residing in the area are put to great hardships  during monsoons. A localite named Koodakandi Puttappa has been running the  ferry service even at the age of 70. The man who will be busy weaving baskets or mats in his small hut, offers ferry service on demand.

Though foundation was laid for a bridge here during British times itself, the project was never implemented till date.

Gram Panchayat Members Karavanda Lava Nanaiah and Chokir Babi Bheemayya while pointing  out that pressure has been mounted on the authorities to construct a bridge across Tandra lake  on Napoklu Bhagamandala Main road, at a recent Gram Sabha, also hope  a bridge would also come up at Doni Kadavu. Will their plea be heard?