In the small village of Pothalipura in the Naswadi taluka of Gujarat, children are facing a grave danger every day just to attend school. The Ashwin River separates their village into two parts. On one side is the only primary school, while the other side has over 40 houses. The villagers are frustrated because, despite a request for a bridge made to the government over a year ago, no action has been taken. Parents have to carry their children on their shoulders to cross the river, which often has deep water during the monsoon season.
The village has a population of around 300 people on one side and about 100 people on the school side. Every day, parents struggle to take their children to school, sometimes having to wade through water up to their waist. This situation becomes even more dangerous when the river swells during the rainy season, leaving the children unable to attend school for days.
Villagers have pointed out that if their children wish to study in another village, they must travel 10 kilometers to reach the nearest school. This ongoing issue has made education a challenge for these children. One villager, Natubhai Bhil, expressed his frustration, saying, “We send our children to school at the risk of their lives for four months during the monsoon. Leaders come during elections, promise us a bridge, and then leave without fulfilling their promises.”
The Panchayat and the building department of Naswadi have conducted two surveys for the bridge but have not moved forward. Officials took soil samples from the riverbank but have since been absent from the village. This has left the villagers feeling ignored by the authorities.
Naginbhai Bhil, another villager, added that they face the same danger when they need to buy essential items, as they have to cross the river to reach Naswadi town, which is 10 kilometers away. The villagers are now demanding that the government address their plight and provide a safe way for their children to access education.
The villagers feel that their community’s suffering is overlooked by the government. They hope that their voices will be heard and that action will be taken before any tragedy occurs. As they continue to advocate for a bridge, the children of Pothalipura remain at risk each day they go to school.