Bankura students risk crossing river daily, demand bridge for safer commute

In the Simlapal block of Bankura district, students from villages such as Saidi, Akro, Puiapal, and Kharmadangha continue to face significant hardships while commuting to school. These villages are located on one side of the Shilabati river, with the nearest high school, Layekpara Ar S Vidyamandir, situated on the opposite bank. For generations, students have been forced to cross the river on foot to attend school, especially since no other secondary schools are available in their area.

The Shilabati river cuts through the middle of the block, and students must navigate it daily to reach their school. The river crossing, while manageable at times, becomes extremely difficult during the monsoon season, when the water level rises. This seasonal rise in water poses a serious risk to students, who are often forced to wade through or cross the river on makeshift paths, leading to concerns about their safety.

To address the issue, a high primary school was set up several years ago in Banshipur, a village in close proximity, in hopes of alleviating the need to cross the river. However, the school faced challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, a shortage of teachers, and lack of resources, leading to parents choosing not to send their children there. As a result, students from these villages continue to cross the Shilabati river to attend Layekpara Ar S Vidyamandir, as there are no other secondary education options.

During the monsoon months, the situation worsens. The river’s water level increases significantly, making it impossible for students to safely cross. For about three months of the year, school attendance is severely impacted, as students cannot cross the river. When exams are scheduled during this period, students are forced to hire vehicles and take a detour of up to 15 kilometers to reach their school. This detour not only increases the financial burden on families but also adds significant travel time.

In response to these ongoing issues, local residents, including parents and students, have repeatedly demanded the construction of a bridge over the Shilabati river to provide safer access to the school. While some have suggested a permanent bridge, the immediate call is for a temporary wooden bridge that could be built quickly to facilitate daily commutes during the rainy season. The absence of a safe and reliable crossing point continues to be a major concern for the community.

Although local officials have been informed of the situation, the establishment of the school in Banshipur was meant to be a solution. However, due to its underdeveloped infrastructure and lack of qualified teachers, the school has failed to reduce the burden on students and their families. The demand for a bridge remains the primary request from the affected villages, as the current conditions remain unsafe and unreliable.