Malappuram: A fourth standard student, M R Athulya, from Malappuram district in Kerala has grabbed the attention with her letter to Prime Minister seeking construction of a bridge over Kalakkam river. Prime Minister's Office responded to the girl's letter and sought an immediate report from the local authorities.
Panchayat Junior Superintendent J S Jaleel and Biji, a staff, visited the place and prepared a report. Panchayat Secretary has informed that the issue would be brought to the attention of the newly elected administration after they assume office. For over many decades, the local people were denied a commutable bridge across Kalakkam river, obstructing access to health care and education.
M R Athulya in her letter to the PM described the hardships people in her village face as well as elaborated on the devastations caused by the 2019 floods. "People here have to cross the river for anything and everything, including going to the school, the church, or the market," she said, in her letter." It is very difficult to reach the town during rains," she added.
Marutha river originates in the mountain ranges of Western Ghats and it splits into two and joins Kalakkam river. During the rainy season, the area becomes isolated. After a few spells of rain, the dilapidated bridge would fall in the river. Hardly, people cross the river without getting drenched during the rainy season.
As political parties showed no interest in resolving the issue, the little girl decided to write a letter to the PM and got the response. She is studying in Chungathara Carmelgiri English Medium High School. Her father Dr Ramkumar and mother Rekha are overwhelmed by the response their daughter got for her letter.
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