Sans bridge, students risk lives to reach school by crossing swelling river in Gajapati

Due to the absence of a bridge, children at Badapur village under R Udayagiri block in Gajapati district are forced to risk their lives to cross a river, which is now in spate, to reach school.

As per reports, Ghodahada river near the village is overflowing due to the incessant rainfall for the last few days. Without a bridge over the river, the village has been completely cut-off from the mainland.

Many people are stranded in the village due to the waterlogging caused by heavy rain. As a result, the children are forced to attend school by swimming across the flooded river in a dangerous manner. Even the villagers were found transporting the bike of teachers amid the overflowing river.

This is a regular feature in the village every year during the rainy season. Though the local people had requested the administration to construct a bridge over the river several times, it has fallen on deaf ears.

“We are aware of the problems of the villagers. A bridge is essential over the river for their communication. I have informed about the problem of the villagers to the higher authorities several times. However, they are not giving any importance to it. I will inform the Collector about the issue soon and hopefully, funds will be sanctioned for the construction of the bridge,” said R Udayagiri BDO Lariman Kharsel.