Kharuwa Village Residents Demand Safe Bridge After Years of Neglect
Residents Face Daily Risks Crossing Dilapidated Bridge
In Golaghat, the inhabitants of Kharuwa village, located in the Premhora Village Panchayat of Borpathar’s Sarupathar Assembly constituency, confront daily dangers while traversing a severely deteriorated bamboo bridge. This bridge has served as the sole connection for the community for nearly two decades.
Constructed by local villagers over a small water body, this bridge links Kharuwa with several neighboring villages, including Premhora, Gorgao, Tengajan, Langtha, Jaljari, Naharbari, Upper Langtha, and Gelabil.
Residents report that six to seven villages rely on this fragile structure for their daily commutes, despite its hazardous state.
A local farmer explained, "We need to use this bridge to reach places like Gelabil and Sarupathar for our trade. Without it, we have to take much longer routes."
For the past 18 to 20 years, the villagers have been funding the annual repairs of the bamboo bridge from their own pockets.
"We spend our hard-earned money to fix the bridge each year. It is now in a terrible state, but we have no alternative," another villager lamented.
The bridge is essential for schoolchildren, farmers transporting goods, traders, and patients seeking medical assistance.
In emergencies, patients are reportedly transported across the bridge on handcarts before being lifted into ambulances waiting on the other side, as vehicles cannot navigate the structure.
"The residents of Kharuwa have endured this situation for nearly two decades without any government intervention," a local stated, noting that villagers collect bamboo and funds for repairs door-to-door each year.
Villagers in Kharuwa using the dilapidated bamboo bridge (Photo: AT)
A local woman voiced her worries about frequent accidents, stating, "Many students use this bridge. Numerous villagers have suffered injuries due to its poor condition. The government speaks of development, yet this bridge remains neglected. We only see our representatives during election time."
An elderly villager echoed her concerns, stating that the ongoing self-funded repairs have drained the community's resources. "Using this bridge shortens our journey; otherwise, we must travel great distances. We urge the government to build a permanent concrete bridge," he added.
Despite numerous requests and written appeals to district officials and the local panchayat, villagers claim that no substantial actions have been taken.
"We are exhausted from making our demands. If this bridge were built, it would benefit at least six to seven villages like Naharbari, Jaljari, Premhora, and Gelabil," another resident remarked, highlighting the accidents caused by the bridge's condition.
As the 2026 Assembly elections draw near, political activities in the area have surged.
However, villagers assert that previous election promises have only resulted in empty assurances, while the bamboo bridge continues to symbolize neglect and inadequate infrastructure.
Residents are once again calling on the government to promptly construct a sturdy concrete bridge to ensure safe connectivity and alleviate years of hardship.