Heartbreaking Isolation: Athibung Villages Struggle Without Bridges Every Monsoon – MorungExpress
Monsoon Woes: Villages in Peren District Struggle with Impassable Rivers
Morung Express News, Peren | July 25
The start of monsoon season has once again turned life into a nightmare for the residents of around 17 villages in Athibung sub-division, Peren district, due to the absence of bridges over the Duinaki and Ntangki rivers. These rivers swell to dangerous levels with heavy rains, isolating the communities and rendering the essential road from Athibung via Bongkolong to Khelma and Zero Point impassable.
Despite continuous appeals to the state government and the Public Works Department (PWD) for constructing bridges, no substantial steps have been taken. Recently, two footbridges were inaugurated, but they are insufficient for vehicular traffic, crucial for transporting essential supplies and during emergencies.
On July 25, a passenger Tata Sumo from Khelma village had to cancel its journey to Jalukie due to the swollen rivers, while another vehicle waited for hours by the Duinaki River for the water to recede. Villagers live in constant fear of being cut off from medical care, food supplies, and emergency services during the monsoon season.
Rangnim, the Head GB of Ikesingram village, lamented, “We have been crying out for help for years, but nothing has changed. Every monsoon, we face the same problem.” He recounted incidents from 2019 and 2020 when three vehicles were washed away trying to cross the swollen rivers, though luckily without casualties.
Lamnei, President of the Kebai Khelma Public Organisation, highlighted the severe impact on their rural community, stating their numerous appeals to the authorities have gone unheard. Neithanglien Saith, Chairman of Khelma Village Council, shared how the sick have had to be carried across suspension bridges for medical treatment when vehicular passage was impossible.
Students pursuing education in Athibung, Jalukie, and beyond face difficulties as provisions and food supplies frequently get delayed. During the holidays, many are stranded mid-journey due to impassable rivers, causing significant worry amongst parents.
This recurring issue underscores the dire need for proper infrastructure to ensure the safety and connectivity of these remote villages.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-without-bridges-villages-under-athibung-face-annual-monsoon-isolation
Category : Morung Exclusive , Nagaland
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