Glass Bridges in Coorg Face Closure Demands Amid Safety Concerns

COORG, India, Sept. 25 — Various organizations and the public in Coorg are urging district officials to close recently constructed glass bridges due to safety concerns. The demand follows several landslides during the heavy rains in June and July, prompting earlier closures of some bridges under orders from the district commissioner.

These glass bridges, which have attracted thousands of tourists, are now under scrutiny. Activists, including former Kannada Sahitya Academy president Biddatanda Tammaiah, have filed complaints to district authorities demanding the complete shutdown of the bridges, arguing they pose a risk to both people and the environment.

Traffic congestion has surged on the Madikeri-Bhagamandala road due to the Pappis Glass Bridge, with incidents of accidents reported. Environmentalists warn that the area, which suffered a landslide in 2018, could face significant damage if another landslide occurs, jeopardizing nearby coffee plantations and homes.