Death-Defying Walk: Bareilly Villagers Risk Lives Over Broken Bridge
Residents of Sidhauli village in Bareilly are forced to use a dangerous makeshift bridge after the main structure collapsed.
In a harrowing display of desperation, the residents of Sidhauli village in the Mirganj tehsil of Bareilly are playing a daily game of chance with their lives. A collapsed bridge over a local canal-river has left the community stranded, forcing them to navigate a treacherous, makeshift crossing just to reach their agricultural fields and sustain their livelihoods.
A Precarious Path to Survival
With the primary bridge in ruins and no alternative route provided by the government, the villagers have been forced to take matters into their own hands. In a bid to maintain access to their farms, they have constructed a makeshift pathway using two hume pipes topped with a single cement pillar.
This narrow, unstable structure is now the only lifeline for the village. Every day, men, women, and farmers must balance themselves on this slim cement slab, risking a fall into the rushing waters below. The danger is amplified by the strength of the river's current, which could easily sweep away anyone who loses their footing.
Farmers Left in the Lurch
For the farmers of Sidhauli, the crossing is not a choice but a necessity. A significant number of agricultural workers must cross the river daily to tend to their crops. The precarious nature of the current arrangement means that every trip to the fields is fraught with anxiety and physical risk.
"The bridge has remained broken for a considerable time, leaving us with no choice but to risk our lives," said Pravendra Diwakar, a resident of Sidhauli.
Authorities Turn a Blind Eye
What makes the situation more frustrating for the villagers is the perceived indifference of the administration. Despite the clear and present danger, residents claim that multiple complaints have been filed with the relevant authorities, yet no repair work has commenced.
The community is now urgently appealing to the district administration and the Irrigation Department to intervene. The demand is simple: expedite the construction of a new, sturdy bridge before a potential tragedy occurs. For the people of Sidhauli, the hope is that the government acts before a slip on a cement pillar leads to a fatal accident.