Kumta (DHNS): A bridge would be constructed to ensure better connectivity to Aigalkurve, an island in Kumta taluk within one year, promised Coastal Development authority Chairperson Sharada Shetty.

She was speaking at ‘Grama Darshana’ programme at Aigalkurve village in the taluk. She said she was aware of the problems of island village Aigalkurve.

She said she had forwarded a proposal through the district-in-charge minister for constructing cement concrete bridge between Kodkani and Aigalkurve village at a cost of Rs 10 crore. The proposal sent to Karnataka road Development Corporation was in the final stages of approval. As per the demand of the villagers, either the hanging or a concrete bridge would be constructed at the earliest, she said.

Hanging bridge expert Bharadwaj said hanging bridges were constructed at many places in the State where the concrete bridge construction was not viable.

However, the concrete bridge would be permanent solution for the road connectivity. Cement Bridge would be more suitable between Aigalkurve and Kodkani, he said.

Taluk Panchayat President Vijaya Patgar, Vice-president Geeta Mukri, member Eshwar Naik, Zilla Panchayat member Pradeep Naik, and others were present.