Flood-hit residents use rafts to cross bridgeless Kalyani River

Rayagada: Thousands of residents in four gram panchayats of Kalyansinghpur block rely on bamboo rafts as the only mode to cross bridgeless Kalyani River which puts their lives at stake on a daily basis.

Communication problems have worsened in the interior areas following floods last month which washed away several bridges and approach roads, affecting the lives of people in Parasali, Sunakhandi, Palma and Kalyansinghpur GPs.

However, the administration is yet to do anything significant even though reports of people including pregnant women crossing the river by means of rafts have been making headlines in the media.

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“We have no other option but to put our lives at stake to cross the river for our daily needs, be it school, market or even office works,” said a resident.

On the other hand, the local administration has promised to ensure safety of people by making necessary arrangements.

“We have already sent a detailed survey report and requisition for necessary funds for construction of an approach road and high-level bridge over the river. Besides, we have also planned for an alternative stone patching on river bed level if necessary,” Rayagada Sub-Collector Prabir Kumar Nayak told OTV.