Students risk lives crossing Manas river in makeshift boat, bridge demand grows in Bongaigaon

Hundreds of villagers, including schoolchildren, are risking their lives every day by crossing the Manas River in a small country boat at Kadamtali in Assam's Bongaigaon district, with residents renewing their demand for the construction of a bridge.

The river crossing, located under the Srijangram Assembly constituency, serves as the only means of transport for several villages. With the monsoon in full swing and water levels rising, locals say the daily commute has become increasingly dangerous.

Despite the risk of accidents, school students continue to use the makeshift boat to reach their schools, particularly as examinations are underway. Residents said they have no alternative but to depend on the fragile boat for their daily travel.

Locals alleged that they have repeatedly appealed to MP Rakibul Hussain for the construction of a bridge over the Manas River, but no concrete action has been taken so far.

They have now urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to at least sanction a wooden bridge as an immediate measure to ensure safe and uninterrupted connectivity for the people of the area.

Residents and students said the absence of a proper bridge continues to put lives at risk and called on the government to address the long-pending demand without further delay.