Sanguem, July 19 — For over 15 years, residents of Bankal Wada, a remote hamlet in Goa's Sanguem constituency, have been living in isolation due to the lack of a proper bridge across the Kushawati River. Despite repeated appeals, the predominantly Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in the area continues to face grave challenges — from daily commutes to medical emergencies — with no help in sight.
With no government support, villagers have been constructing a makeshift wooden bridge each year, using their own funds. This fragile structure, tied between two aging trees with electric wires and lacking any foundation, is highly unsafe. During monsoon floods or strong winds, it either submerges or becomes dangerously unstable. The trees supporting the bridge are now on the verge of collapse, further compounding the risk.
“This has been our reality for 15 years,” said a local resident. “We have brought the issue to the attention of our MLA, Subhash Phal Dessai, multiple times, but nothing has been done.”
The lack of proper connectivity has had serious consequences. In emergencies, patients must be carried nearly 4 km on foot to reach the nearest road. Children risk their lives daily while crossing the precarious bridge to attend school, often escorted by their parents who wait to ensure their safe return.
The villagers are not demanding a grand structure — only a modest, pipe-based bridge that would allow safe passage for pedestrians and light vehicles. Their frustration is heightened by the fact that a tarred road was once built across the river during the Congress-led government, but construction was halted midway after a change in administration. Since then, residents claim the ruling BJP government has paid no attention to their plight.
“Our request is simple — a small bridge so we can live safely and with dignity,” a resident pleaded.
Until their voices are heard, the people of Bankal Wada remain stranded — waiting for basic infrastructure that many others take for granted.