Hundreds of residents, including schoolchildren, are continuing to cross the Manas River in a small country boat at Kadamtali in Assam’s Bongaigaon district, prompting fresh demands for the construction of a bridge to ensure safe connectivity.
The crossing, situated under the Srijangram Assembly constituency, remains the only transport link for several surrounding villages. With the monsoon intensifying and the river’s water level rising, villagers say the journey has become increasingly hazardous.
Despite the heightened risk, students are still compelled to use the boat every day to attend classes, especially as school examinations are currently in progress. Residents said the absence of an alternative route leaves them with no choice but to rely on the fragile boat for commuting.
According to local people, repeated appeals have been made to Member of Parliament Rakibul Hussain seeking the construction of a bridge over the Manas River. They alleged that no concrete steps have been taken despite their longstanding demand.
The villagers have now appealed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to sanction at least a wooden bridge as an immediate solution to provide safe and uninterrupted movement across the river.
Residents and students said the lack of a permanent bridge continues to endanger lives every day and urged the government to address the long-pending issue without further delay.
