The villagers of Bankal and Kazur in the Cavre Pirla Village Panchayat have been grappling with the absence of a permanent culvert for years, a critical infrastructure issue that continues to cause immense hardships. The lack of a proper bridge over the river that separates the village from the main road has led to significant daily struggles for the remaining six households in the area.
Despite repeated appeals to local representatives, including current MLA Subhash Phaldessai, no action has been taken to resolve this long-pending issue. The villagers’ connection to their land remains deeply rooted in their livelihoods and cultural identity. Their primary source of income comes from agriculture, and the local temple is central to their spiritual and cultural life. However, many families have already been forced to leave, and those who remain continue to face severe challenges due to the lack of proper infrastructure.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
One of the biggest obstacles the villagers face is during the monsoon season. They are forced to build a makeshift wooden bridge to cross the river, which is extremely unsafe and risky. Schoolchildren need to cross this fragile bridge daily to attend school, and parents often wait to assist them, fearing accidents. All vehicles must park on the other side of the river, and residents must walk to their homes—a task that becomes increasingly difficult during rains or in case of emergencies. In situations where a person falls ill or is injured, they must be physically carried across the river, delaying medical attention and risking further complications.
The lack of a permanent bridge has created a dilemma for the villagers. Many are unable to relocate because their livelihood is closely tied to the farmland they cultivate, and their deep emotional and religious connection to the village temple makes it difficult to leave.
Narendra Gãonkar, a local resident, urges the government to prioritize the construction of the culvert as soon as possible.
Despite the efforts of the villagers to raise this issue with the local authorities, it remains unresolved. A tar road was constructed up to the river during the Congress government’s tenure, but the promised bridge to accompany it was never built. Since the BJP took office 13 years ago, the bridge remains an unfulfilled promise.
“This is not just a matter of infrastructure; it’s about ensuring the safety, dignity, and future of the people who continue to live in Bankal village,” said Dilkush Gãonkar, another resident. Many villagers have already been forced to leave, but for those who remain, the need for a permanent culvert has never been more urgent.
The villagers are now calling on the government and local authorities to take swift action and prioritize the construction of the bridge, which would not only resolve ongoing challenges but also ensure a safer, more sustainable future for this small but resilient community.
