Bantwal, Feb 27: There is a huge trench at Benchinadka under Pilatabettu gram panchayat limits of the taluk which also spreads into the vicinity of Kudupulokku under the limits of Kukkedi gram panchayat of Beltangady taluk. Basically this trench is spread on borders of both the taluks.

A small vented dam was built at Benchinadka across this trench 25 years ago. A small lane resembling footpath is built on this vented dam for the pedestrians and two-wheeler riders to access the same. Nearly six to seven accidents have taken place in this lane. The residents of both the taluks, who reside in nearby areas of this vented dam are dependent on this path. During the rainy season, as residents are unable to use this path, they have to cover a distance of 10 km to reach the other side of the trench. This has created inconvenience to school children, elderly people and women.

So a permanent bridge needs to be built across this trench in order for the four-wheelers in addition to the two-wheelers to reach the other side. This will be helpful during emergency situations, especially when there is a urgent need to reach hospital. At present, the locals have to walk five km to get a four wheeler in emergency cases.

NG Trust team which responded to the difficulty of the locals have closed the trench temporarily by filling it with mud, with the help of the road committee. The temporary road was inaugurated at 9.30 am on Sunday, February 24.

Padmanabha Poojary, member of Kukkedi gram panchayat, Naveen Galbao, founder president of NG Charitable trust, Denis D’Souza, president of road committee, Nyanappa Poojary, secretary and locals of the area were present on the occasion.