Incomplete Bridge Leaves Sonitpur Residents Stranded Amid Floods

Residents of Sonitpur are grappling with the consequences of an incomplete bridge project that has left them isolated amid rising floodwaters. Initiated under a government scheme, the bridge remains unfinished nearly two years later, severely affecting daily life for students, commuters, and farmers. With no alternative routes available, locals are forced to navigate dangerous conditions. Farmers are also suffering significant losses due to flooding, particularly pumpkin growers whose crops are submerged. As the community calls for urgent government intervention, they are left waiting for solutions and support amidst ongoing challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2025, 14:11 IST

Bridge Project Stalled in Sonitpur

Sonitpur, June 4: A bridge that was intended to link Bihaguri with the Jhawani-Tinikhoria region now stands as a troubling reminder of halted progress.

Initiated in 2024 under the Chief Minister’s Road Improvement Scheme, this project aimed to improve access between Bihaguri and Jhawani.

The government allocated Rs 3.86 crore for the blacktopping and enhancement of three vital roads in the area — Borchan Road (Bahbari Gaon Panchayat), the Manizharoni stretch, and the connection from National Highway 15 to Jhawani.

However, nearly two years on, the bridge remains unfinished, isolating the residents of southern Bihaguri Mouza and leaving them vulnerable.

As floodwaters rise, the lack of a reliable connection has made daily life increasingly difficult, particularly for students, commuters, and farmers.

A local resident expressed frustration, stating, “The administration had ample time to finish the work before the monsoon, but they failed. Now we are suffering the consequences.”

In the Borsola constituency, the flooded access roads have completely cut off the link between Bihaguri and the Jhawani-Tinikhoria area.

With no other routes available, residents find themselves confined to their homes or forced to navigate through chest-deep water.

Another local shared their distress, saying, “We’re in a critical situation. My son had an exam yesterday, and I had to carry him across the flooded road. If this continues, how will our children get to school?”

Meanwhile, in Sootea, farmers are facing significant losses as relentless rains have submerged hundreds of bighas of farmland, particularly affecting pumpkin growers whose crops are now underwater.

A farmer lamented, “Many pumpkins have already rotted. Even those we harvested early are spoiling due to the moisture. Prices have plummeted to Rs 4 per kg — half of what we earned last year.”

With no immediate relief in sight and dwindling market demand, farmers are calling on the government and district officials for urgent assistance and compensation.

As both infrastructure and livelihoods deteriorate due to negligence and natural disasters, the residents of Sonitpur are left waiting — for solutions, for support, and for promises to be honored.