Authorities begin building bridge to help kids
notice of authorities. District collector Manoj Kumar Sharma ordered the Karauli sub-divisional magistrate to plan the project, and construction work on the bridge is expected to be completed soon.
Road connectivity between the settlements in Karauli district is affected every time the 15-foot-deep Bhainsavat river swells up during the monsoon, forcing villagers to cross it on inflated tubes. Though the residents had submitted memorandums and approached officials as well as politicians on several occasions, promises were all they received in return.
As the Karauli panchayat only has a primary school, students who want to continue their education have to travel five kilometres to the secondary school at Chainpur Gadoli — crossing the river en route. As many as 85 such students fromMachet,SevachinkaPuraand Madho Singh Ka Pura reportedly take this route every day.
The villagers’ joy knew no bounds when building material for the bridge was unloaded on the river bank on Saturday. Shreeram Meena, block development officer of the Karauli panchayat samiti, said a budget of `5 lakh has been sanctioned for the project. More funds will be allocated as and when required.
“The bridge has been a longcherished dream for us. Until now, our students have had to cross the river under dangerous conditions,” said Hari Singh Meena, sarpanch of the Manchi gram panchayat.
The district administration has also arranged for a bus to take the students to school until the bridge construction is completed.