Children risk river crossing by boat every day to reach school in Assam’s Dhemaji
Schoolchildren in Dhemaji, Assam, face daily life-threatening boat rides across the Lali river due to the lack of a permanent bridge.
In the Chengajan Gowala village of Assam's Dhemaji district, the simple act of going to school has turned into a daily gamble with life. For students attending Chengajan Kaivarta M.E. School and other nearby institutions, the journey involves navigating the treacherous waters of the Lali river and Buri Sauti using nothing but small, precarious boats.
A Perilous Daily Commute
The absence of a permanent bridge in the Jonai Assembly constituency has left the community entirely dependent on makeshift water transport. Villagers report that the strong currents of the river make these crossings incredibly dangerous, especially for young children. The lack of reliable boat services also means that students often face long delays, directly hindering their education when they cannot reach their classrooms on time.
Local resident Chandan Majhi highlighted the constant anxiety felt by families. He noted that every time a child steps into a small boat, there is an underlying fear of them falling into the water. The unpredictability of the service means people often wait for hours, hoping for a boat to become available.
Beyond the Classroom: A Community in Crisis
The struggle is not limited to students. The lack of connectivity affects every facet of life in Chengajan Gowala:
- Medical Emergencies: Pregnant women and patients requiring urgent care are forced to rely on the same unreliable boats, where a delay can be fatal.
- Livelihoods: Local farmers and traders face significant hurdles in transporting goods and reaching markets.
- Healthcare Gaps: Residents are calling for more than just a bridge; they are demanding a sub-health centre, improved medical services, and veterinary facilities for their livestock.
Tragedy Strikes the Village
The dangers of this route are not merely theoretical. Villagers shared a harrowing account of a young girl who reportedly fell into the river and lost her life just a few days ago. While the specific details of the incident remain unverified, it serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved in this daily commute.
Broken Promises and Recurring Struggles
The demand for a permanent bridge at the confluence of the Lali River and Buri Sauti is not new. Residents claim they have repeatedly brought this issue to the attention of the concerned government departments, as well as local MLA Bhubon Pegu and MP Pradan Baruah. While assurances of construction have been provided in the past, no permanent structure has been completed to secure the area.
This is part of a recurring pattern of connectivity issues in the Jonai subdivision. Previous reports have highlighted similar struggles in the region, including students navigating damaged bridges or relying on boats during flood seasons. However, for the people of Chengajan Gowala, the need is for a permanent solution that ensures safety regardless of the weather or season.