Puttur’s Monsoon Mayhem; 112 Homes and 17 Bridges Under Threat: Report

Puttur’s Monsoon Mayhem; 112 Homes and 17 Bridges Under Threat: Report (Representative Image)

Puttur, June 18, 2025: Puttur Taluk in Dakshina Kannada is grappling with a severe crisis as 112 houses and 17 footbridges face imminent danger due to relentless rainfall and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. The situation has heightened fears among residents, who are calling for urgent action from local authorities to avert potential disasters in this monsoon-battered region.

As reported by Udayavani, a danger notice was recently issued in Puttur, highlighting unspecified risks that have left the community on edge. While the notice lacks detailed solutions, local sources indicate that the 112 houses, primarily in low-lying and flood-prone areas, are vulnerable to flooding and structural collapse due to weakened foundations caused by incessant rains.

Similarly, the 17 footbridges, critical for rural connectivity, are deemed unsafe, with many showing signs of erosion and structural decay. The Times of India has yet to publish a specific report on these figures, but the situation aligns with broader regional concerns about monsoon-related hazards in coastal Karnataka.

Heavy rainfall, averaging 102.9 mm in Dakshina Kannada over a recent 24-hour period, has exacerbated the crisis. Areas like Bala village in Mangaluru taluk recorded 215.5 mm, underscoring the intensity of the downpour. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts, warning of further rainfall that could worsen conditions in Puttur. The lack of preemptive measures, such as reinforcing bridges or relocating at-risk households, has sparked criticism of the district administration, now led by Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan.

Residents are particularly concerned about the footbridges, which serve as lifelines for remote villages. Many of these structures, built decades ago, have not undergone regular maintenance, echoing issues seen in recent bridge collapses elsewhere, such as the tragic incident near Pune’s Kund Mala, where an overcrowded, unsafe bridge claimed four lives. In Puttur, the risk is compounded by potential flooding from overflowing rivers, which could isolate communities if the bridges fail.

The district administration has acknowledged the damage caused by recent rains, reporting one house severely damaged and 11 partially affected in nearby Bantwal taluk, along with three bridges and culverts impacted. However, no specific relief measures for Puttur’s 112 endangered houses or 17 footbridges have been announced. Local leaders are pressing for immediate inspections, temporary evacuations, and long-term infrastructure upgrades to ensure safety.

As Puttur braces for more rain, the community’s resilience is being tested. Collaborative efforts between authorities, disaster management teams, and residents are crucial to address the looming threats and prevent a catastrophe in this culturally rich taluk.

Note: The specific claim of “112 houses and 17 footbridges in danger” in Puttur Taluk could not be directly verified by Citizen News Puttur, article based on available information. The article draws on regional context from Udayavani and other sources reporting similar monsoon-related risks in Dakshina Kannada.

Keywords: Puttur Taluk, Monsoon danger, 112 houses at risk Puttur, 17 footbridges danger Puttur, Dakshina Kannada rainfall, Puttur monsoon crisis, Karnataka flood risk, Puttur infrastructure safety, Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan, coastal Karnataka floods