Keonjhar: A makeshift bamboo bridge on the Baitarani river at Katulikana village under Karanjia panchayat of Champua block in Keonjhar district has been serving as a link between Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.
The bridge connects Katulikana village in Keonjhar side with Budamara Kesari panchayat of Mayurbhanj district. In the absence of a permanent bridge on the river, people risk their lives and perilously travel on the fair weather bridge to reach their destinations. The temporary bridge needs to be constructed every year because it gets washed away in flood water during the rainy season.
A tourist spot called ‘Kesarikund’ is situated here where lakhs of devotees take holy dip in Baitarani river every year during Makar Sankranti. Locals believe that in the Mahabharat era, Bhima came here and took bath, thereby giving the place its name.
“If a bridge is constructed here, it will be very convenient to go to Mayurbhanj district area,” a local villager said adding, “Most people on this side have relatives who stay on the other side of the river. People on both the sides, though divided by the river, share a cultural tie.”
Riparian villagers on both sides unite and celebrate Makar Sankranti festival with great enthusiasm. “If the government constructs a bridge, people of both sides would benefit,” said Supriya Munda, sarpanch of Karanjia panchayat of Champua block. Jhunu Naik, sarpanch of Kesari panchayat of Mayurbhanj demanded a permanent bridge here for the convenience of the people of both districts.
Sources said people of more than four panchayats of Champua block — Karanjia, Chandrasekharpur, Badanai and Sarei — use this bridge regularly as it is the shortest route that connects both districts. Taking a detour to travel to the other side is time consuming.
By taking the detour, people have to cover around 20 to 22 km to reach the other side. Using the bridge reduces the distance to only half a kilometre. However, the narrow and wooden bridge has its own obvious limitations. The bridge is used only by two-wheelers and pedestrians. A small fee is charged for the maintenance of the bridge.
Farmers use this route to reach the market across the river to sell their products. The cultural harmony and traditional customs of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts are displayed through the familial relationships between residents of both the districts. The ‘bridge of relation’ is the villagers’ sole medium for cultural exchange through public as well as family functions.
PNN