Sending children to school here feels like sending them to die: Shambhu Paswan
Mail News Service
Gua, July 3: In a harrowing reflection of rural neglect in Jharkhand’s Maoist-affected Saranda region, children from Lembra village in Gangda Panchayat risk their lives daily just to attend school. With no bridge, boat, or safety measures in place, these young students are forced to wade through the dangerously swollen Koyna River on foot — a river that has become ferocious due to continuous heavy rains in the region.
Every day, dozens of boys and girls cross this turbulent river to reach school, fully aware of the life-threatening risks involved. Basic government slogans like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, “Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan” seem to ring hollow here. Parents, including Munda Lebeya Devgam and Devendra Champia, lament that despite raising the demand for a bridge for years, the only response they’ve received are hollow promises.
During the monsoon, Lembra becomes an island, cut off from all directions. The Koyna River, which flows between Manoharpur-Barajamda main road and Lembra village, floods every accessible route. As a result, not only is education disrupted, but medical emergencies turn fatal — pregnant women have died due to lack of access to treatment and even food supply becomes uncertain.
Former MP Geeta Koda had once walked across the river herself during the summer to assess the situation and a survey for bridge construction was conducted. However, no progress followed. Former District Councillor of Noamundi, Shambhu Paswan, sharply criticized current MP Joba Majhi and MLA Sonaram Sinku, stating that repeated appeals have been ignored.
“When the water level rises even a few inches, sending children to school is like sending them to their death,” said a concerned parent. “Even if they reach school, there’s no guarantee they’ll return.”
Paswan demanded urgent intervention from Deputy Commissioner Chandan Kumar to ensure children have a safe path to education. Villagers are urging immediate construction of a bridge over the Koyna River. Until then, they demand a boat service or alternate transportation, along with temporary medical camps, food distribution points and relief centres.
