Aradi: Life has been difficult for thousands of people living in some riparian villages in Aradi area of Bhadrak district in the absence of a bridge across river Chhelia.
Locals said they have long been demanding a bridge across the river, but to no avail. In such a situation, the people have set up a bridge-like framework with bamboos across the river. It is too dangerous people especially farmers to walk a tightrope on the bamboos while carrying bundles of paddy from the other side of the river.
According to reports, the worst affected by the commuting problem are people of Kathamunda in Raipur panchayat. The village has a population of 800 and 90 per cent of them are dependent on agriculture. Villagers have 300 acres of farmland across the river. For all farming activities, they have to go across the river every day and risk their lives by walking on the rickety structure.
The pastureland is also across the river. Every day, farmers send out their cattle for grazing. In this case, locals are bound to swim along with the farm animals to cross the river.
Besides, a shrine dedicated to Goddess Dapa Nayakani is across the river where Makar Mela is organised for three days every year. A large number of people have to walk on the weak bamboo structure to attend the festival.
Some locals said, “We have been repeatedly taking up the issue with the sarpanch and Dhamnagar MLA, but nothing is being done. A resident of this village became the sarpanch in 2017 and is expected to make efforts for the bridge project.”
Prabodh Kumar Nayak, a farmer, lamented that a bridge across the river has been an electoral issue, but our commuting woes are not being addressed.
Another farmer Purnachandra Nayak noted that apart from his village, people of four other villages use the bamboo structure to go across the river for work. A bridge can sort out the plight of the people.
Sarpanch Kumudini Nayak said, “We can’t rule out the need for a bridge across the river so as to facilitate communication between Dhamnagar and Tihidi blocks.” PNN
