Four deaths, no bridge: Bongaigaon villagers forced to rebuild bamboo crossing every year

Despite the rapid advancement of the digital age and ongoing development claims, residents of Shingimari in Assam's Bongaigaon district continue to struggle with basic connectivity, exposing what locals describe as the hollow reality of development in the area.

Residents of Ujan Para under Shingimari Part-I in Abhayapuri have once again repaired and reconstructed a bamboo bridge over the Kujia River using their own resources and contributions. The makeshift bridge serves as the only vital link for villagers, especially during the monsoon season.

According to local residents, the bamboo bridge is often damaged by strong currents during the rainy season, forcing villagers to rebuild it three to four times every year at their own expense. The lack of a permanent bridge has caused immense hardship and disrupted daily life for the community.

Transportation remains a major challenge, with villagers facing severe difficulties in commuting, particularly during the monsoon months. Locals alleged that at least four people have lost their lives after drowning while attempting to cross the swollen river on makeshift rafts during previous rainy seasons.

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The bridge is used daily by numerous students, farmers and residents for commuting, yet villagers claim that their repeated appeals have failed to attract the attention of elected representatives.

Residents further alleged that during every election, political leaders visit the village and promise to construct a permanent bridge over the river. However, they claim that these assurances are forgotten once the elections are over.

Expressing frustration over years of neglect, the villagers have now appealed directly to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to sanction and construct a permanent concrete bridge over the Kujia River, saying it is essential for ensuring safe connectivity and preventing further loss of lives.

The demand has once again brought attention to the infrastructure challenges faced by several rural areas despite broader development initiatives across the state.