Students cross river risking their lives

In the absence of a bridge, schoolchildren of Buratal panchayat under Patrapur block in Ganjam district had to cross a river using an electric cable. 

This matter came to the fore with intellectuals criticising the state government for its failure to construct a bridge in the locality to help students reach school. 

According to sources, the panchayat gets disconnected from the outer world during rainy season every year as there is no bridge on Mahendratanaya river over Jamuganda.  As a result, they find it hard to cross the river in rainy season in particular. While some skip classes, some risk their lives to reach the school. 

On Friday, the steam got flooded due to heavy rain at upper catchment areas. Finding no other go, students asked villagers for help. Villagers rescued the schoolchildren with the help of an electric wire.  They tied a rope connecting two ends of the river and rescued them.

The residents of the panchayat had in September last year taken the matter to Patrapur Block Development Officer demanding construction of a bridge, but the latter did not pay heed. Residents including school kids have to risk their lives during rainy season when the rivers receive huge inflows from upstream areas.

Meanwhile, School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash, said he is not aware about the incident. "As media brought it to my knowledge, I will talk to local legislator and District Education Officer to address the problem," said Dash.