Chandragiri: Risking their lives every day, villagers of Rajakhama village in Mohana block of Gajapati district cross the Gadapur river using a GI wire. The Centre’s ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikash’ scheme has failed here.
Rajakhama is located in a hilly area. One has to cross the Papeju Canal and travel 40 km on a hilly road to reach the village. After travelling through a 7-km jungle road, one has to cross the swirling river as there is no bridge or boats available.
As the school, hospital and bus stand are located on other side of the river, the residents of the village have to use the bridge. A little carelessness can cause accidents here.
Everyone from children to the elderly depend on the GI wire to cross the river. There are chances of slipping or the GI wire can snap. Crossing the river is nothing, but an act of daredevilry.
There are five tribal villages on the banks of the river. The wire is the only link connecting the villagers to the other side of the river.
The villagers say that their appeals to the district administration to construct a permanent bridge have had no effect. A resident of Rajakhama said, “We have to cross the river. So we demand a permanent bridge.”
Mohana MLA Dasarathi Gamanga said, “I have a list of villages needing bridges. I will visit the place and will take action after inspection.”
PNN