Villagers Build Makeshift Bridges As Government Help Fails To Arrive
Villagers in Sundargarh built makeshift bridges with local materials after repeated appeals for a permanent structure failed to resolve their connectivity problems.
Villagers of Sana Buruda in Gurundia block of Sundargarh district have built makeshift bridges on their own after repeated appeals for a permanent structure allegedly failed to yield results.
The improvised bridges have become crucial links for schoolchildren and residents travelling to the panchayat and block offices, sources said on Thursday.
For years, villagers had been urging authorities to address their connectivity problems. With no permanent solution in sight, they decided to build temporary structures themselves.
A rivulet becomes a major obstacle during the rainy season. Villagers, including men and women, used locally available materials such as tree branches, stones and electric poles to construct a makeshift bridge across it.
Heavy rain also damaged a portion of the village’s main road, further disrupting movement. Residents then brought wooden logs from a nearby forest and built another temporary bridge to restore connectivity.
Gurundia Block Development Officer (BDO) Habil Khaka said the administration had received a complaint regarding the bridge and that the Rural Development (RD) Department had inspected the site.
“Since last year, a grievance was filed with the Collector and the local JE of the RD Department. I had taken him to the spot and shown him the situation. The RD officials have inspected the site. A survey was also conducted under the PMGSY,” Khaka said.
He said he had again informed the concerned officials that the temporary bridge had deteriorated and the road had been damaged.
“I have asked them to take the necessary steps. The sooner they estimate the cost and initiate the project, the better,” he said.
Khaka added that he would inform the Collector and seek approval for the project, possibly through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), while making efforts at his own level to expedite the work.
The villagers’ initiative has highlighted the pressing need for a permanent solution to their long-standing connectivity problems, particularly for children dependent on the route to attend school.
