Bridge to the outside world

Kakkathuruthu, a cut-off tourist island, cries for connectivity

The Kakkathuruthu island remains cut off from the mainland and is also facing shortage of basic infrastructure facilities.

They are the residents of a place featured in National Geographic’s must-visit list in 2016. But for some 300 families of Kakkathuruthu (Island of Crows), a tiny island surrounded by Vembanad Lake, their long-cherished dream of a bridge connecting the island to the mainland remains unfulfilled.

At present two country boats, one operated by the Ezhupunna grama panchayat and another privately owned, are the only means of connectivity between Kakkathuruthu and the mainland. The residents say that the boat service is available only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and they are finding it difficult to commute, especially during an emergency situation.

“We need to travel to the mainland and back frequently. Our children go to school braving the dangerous waters of the lake, so do women and the elderly going to a hospital, bank or to meet other needs. A bridge is the need of the hour,” says a resident.

Although the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had earmarked ₹20 crore for the construction of a bridge in the last budget, the project has made hardly any progress. “The project is yet to receive technical sanction,” said a source.

Binumol A.P, panchayat ward member, told The Hindu that the construction of a bridge connecting the island and the mainland was a 15-year-old demand.

“The government has sanctioned funds for the bridge construction, but nothing has taken place yet. Recently we met the Aroor MLA and others officials demanding steps to construct the bridge and they promised to start the construction of the bridge by August,” Ms. Binumol said.

The island is also facing shortage of basic infrastructure facilities including roads. Although surrounded by water, potable water is a prized item on the island. Some of the families had left the island for lack of basic infrastructure, residents say.

The place, accessed only through traditional boats, is listed in National Geographic’s ‘Around the World in 24 Hours,’ a photographic tour of travel-worthy spots in the world. It is also a haven for birdwatchers.