Not only the adults but school students too have to endure an arduous journey risking their lives in a spate Rushikulya river at Nuagada Panchayat under Ganjam’s Sorada block for their daily activities. But, all these hardships would have been avoided had there been a bridge over the river in the area.
No less than five large villages and several other small villages under the Nuagada Panchayat cross the river at Keshara to avail health, education and administrative services.
As per reports, when the flood comes, the people are forced to take an alternative route that makes them tread for 15 kilometres more to reach the block office at Sorada.
OTV caught hold of some students who were crossing the river in waist-deep water for school. One of the class-10 students, Swapna Gouda said, “We risk our lives every day to reach the nearest school. During floods, people who have resources take the alternative route while poor people like us are forced to stay at home.”
Another student asked, “Who will shoulder the responsibility if I get swept away by the river current.”
As per reports, the foundation stone for a bridge at the location was laid in 2019. However, the work has been marred by controversies halting the work for years.
A local residence alleged, “It has been four years but the bridge is yet to be completed. Locals of five villages under the Panchayat are forced to either cross the river or undertake hours long journey to reach Sorada.”